GREENVILLE, Pa. (Nov. 5) -- Thiel College Director of Athletics Isaac Collins announced the hiring of Michael Kernan as the college's next Softball head coach Thursday morning, bringing an accomplished coaching background and proven record of developing championship-level student-athletes to the Tomcats' program.
Kernan joins Thiel with more than two decades of successful coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels. Most recently, he led Canfield High School to back-to-back Ohio Division II State Championship appearances, winning the crown in 2024 and finishing as runners-up in 2023. During his tenure, Canfield compiled an impressive 72-11-3 record, produced multiple All-State selections and earned consecutive conference titles.
Before his success at Canfield, Kernan served as an assistant coach at fellow Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) school Hiram College. During the 2022 season, he helped guide Hiram to the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Tournament Championship and a runner-up finish at the NCAA DePauw Regional, marking one of the most successful campaigns in program history.
Kernan started his coaching journey at Ursuline High School in Ohio. He compiled 373 wins in his nearly 20 years with the program. Under his leadership, Ursuline won eight district championships, was a state championship finalist and claimed 17 sectional championships.
"We're thrilled to welcome Michael to the Thiel College family as our next Head Softball Coach," Collins said. "Coach Kernan brings an exceptional blend of competitive drive, regional recruiting connections and leadership experience that aligns perfectly with our vision for Tomcat Softball. His track record of success and reputation for developing players both on and off the field make him the right person to elevate our program to championship standards. We're confident that under his guidance, Thiel Softball will continue to grow in competitiveness, culture and pride."
In addition to his collegiate and high school coaching accomplishments, Kernan has extensive experience in player instruction and program development. He previously founded and operated Softball U Academy in Youngstown, Ohio, training hundreds of athletes who went on to collegiate careers.
His career accolades include inductions into four different hall of fame's, including the Hiram Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005 and Ohio High School Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
"I would like to thank Michael McKinney '02, Isaac Collins and the Thiel administration for this excellent leadership opportunity at such a superior college," Kernan said. "I look forward to enhancing the Tomcat educational and athletic experience by guiding these maturing student athletes to excel on and off the field."
A Hiram alumnus, Kernan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management with a minor in Computer Science. A decorated multi-sport athlete during his collegiate career, he was a Pizza Hut All-American and three-time All-PAC honoree in football.
The Tomcats were one of the final four teams standing after winning a pair of games in last season's PAC Championship Tournament. The Blue and Gold posted an 18-18 mark in 2025.
