LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. (April 14, 2011) — Lincoln University is pleased to announce Jessica Kern as the new head coach of the women’s basketball program. She becomes the ninth head coach in the history of the program and the first full-time female coach. Kern comes to Lincoln University as a highly decorated professional women’s basketball player and collegiate standout. This past season, she served as the assistant women’s coach and media specialist at NCAA Division I University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Jessica to our team and introduce her as our new head women’s basketball coach,” said Director of Athletics Dianthia Ford-Kee. “Jessica’s athletic background and experiences will bring a wealth of knowledge to our women’s basketball program. Her career path exemplifies a commitment to excellence and she is a role model for our young women.”
At the University of UW-M, which is a member of the Horizon League, she assisted in scouting, aided in recruiting and broke down film. The Lady Panthers finished 12-18 and advanced to the league’s quarterfinals in the postseason tournament.
“I am extremely grateful to President Nelson, Mrs. Ford-Kee and the selection committee for considering and choosing me as the new head women’s basketball coach,” Kern said. “Education, hard work and discipline have played a substantial influence in my success thus far in my career. I look forward to instilling these qualities into such a special group of young women and am excited to begin this new chapter in my career.”
Prior to her time in Milwaukee, Kern assisted for two seasons at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluffs, a Division I school and member of the Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC). Her personalized individual-approach served the Lady Lions well. Posting a 12-19 record, she helped propel them to their most victories and highest conference tournament finish in 12 years. As the conditioning coordinator and individual skill developer, she assisted Lady Lion standouts Ciara Shields and Arica Green to All-SWAC recognitions as well as Shay Holmes to Newcomer of the Year status. Kern’s career path toward collegiate basketball coaching was unconventional to say the least. After earning a roster spot on the Penn State women’s basketball program, she participated in track and field where she was a two-time All-Academic and All-Big Ten performer. A two-time captain and a 2002 graduate with degrees in communications and sociology, Kern returned to basketball and played professionally in Germany, Switzerland, Romania, and Poland from 2003-2010. While in Switzerland, she led her team with a 25.1 scoring average. A crowd favorite in Poland, Kern ran basketball clinics and gave motivational speeches at the local “University” school.
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