GREENVILLE, Pa. (Aug. 13) -- Thiel College Head Softball Coach Michael Kernan announced the addition of former Tomcat standout Mackenzie Herman '26 to his coaching staff as an assistant coach for the 2027 season Thursday afternoon.
Herman joins the coaching ranks following a distinguished playing career at Thiel in which she established herself among the top offensive players in program history while also making an impact in the circle.
"Mackenzie's successful experience as a student-athlete on and off the Thiel College softball field will enhance the Tomcat team chemistry from a coach's standpoint," Kernan said. "Her knowledge of many aspects of the game will be a great contribution to the development of our Tomcat softball student athletes."
A two-time All-Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) selection, Herman earned All-PAC Second Team honors in 2026 after receiving Honorable Mention recognition in 2025.
Herman concluded her career as Thiel's all-time leader with 13 home runs and tied the program's single-season record with six last season. Her .558 career slugging percentage ranks seventh in program history, while her .930 OPS is tied for 10th. She also holds the Thiel single-game record with 11 total bases.
Herman made history in the circle during the 2025 season when she fired the fifth no-hitter in program history.
Her success extended to the classroom, where she was a three-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District selection and a two-time PAC Academic Honor Roll honoree.
Herman brings previous coaching and instructional experience to the Tomcats. She served as a 14U recreational head coach from 2023-25 and was a volunteer hitting coach for a 10U travel team in 2025. She has also worked as a hitting and pitching instructor with players of all ages.
A graduate of Thiel, Herman earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and also received her Registered Nurse Diploma from the Sharon Regional School of Nursing.
Herman begins her first collegiate coaching position with the Tomcats in 2027.
