New softball coach has DIII experience, community college roots

太阳城集团博彩’s new head softball coach is returning to his community college roots.

杰克更 has been the head softball coach at the NCAA Division III level for the past six years – first at Rockford University in Rockford, IL, and more recently at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA.

但在那之前, he spent the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons as an assistant baseball coach while a 学生 at Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL.

“I have always been a huge proponent of junior college,基纳说. “It provided me with the opportunities that have led me to this point in my career, and I am forever grateful for that.”

Coach Keener brings with him a reputation of having a strong work ethic, 高企的能源, relationship-building skills and being a relentless recruiter, 阿尼·查韦斯说, BHC体育主管.

“I am extremely excited to have Coach Keener join our department,查维拉说.

Keener wants to recruit and develop 学生-athletes with an emphasis on 学生.

“We will aim to compete in the classroom as well as on the field,基纳说. “I have always taken pride in the academic accomplishments of the teams I have had the privilege of leading.”

Keener was an assistant baseball coach at Rockford University from August 2012 to 2017年11月. 2017年12月, he switched gears and became the head softball coach and 学生-athlete recruiting coordinator at Rockford University. He held those coaching positions while pursuing and completing a bachelor’s degree in economics and an MBA at Rockford University.

Keener also has taught at the four-year college level along with other administrative duties within his athletic departments.

In addition to his head coaching duties, he will be the community recreation coordinator at 太阳城集团博彩.

“I am very confident that Josh will continue to build on the successes of our softball program and strengthen the operations of the BHC Athletic Department,查维拉说.

“Our goal will be to make BHC softball a perennial participant in the NJCAA World Series,基纳说. “This is not something that will be accomplished easily as some of the best programs in the country compete in our Region.

“I look forward to the challenges presented by the outstanding competition in Region 4,” he said.