Kirschner Receives Robert J. Scannell Roll of Honor

Monaca, PA -- Kirschner Receives Robert J. Scannell Roll of Honor, Named PSUAC and USCAA Coach of the Year

At the helm of the department for nearly 20 years, athletic director and head softball coach, Andy Kirschner has had a banner year as both an administrator and coach. 

Coming off one of his best years as the head softball coach, Kirschner was named Coach of the Year in both the PSUAC and the USCAA.  The distinction is given to a coach who not only guides his team to victory, but also promotes good sportsmanship, develops the skills of the student-athletes and shows leadership both on and off the field.  Recipients of the award are both nominated by and voted upon by their peers, making it especially meaningful. 

This season Kirschner led his team to an overall record of 29-11 in the regular season and a conference record of 17-4, earning them the #1 seed in the west going into the post-season tournament. In the nation, the team led in at bats (1145), hits (401), RBI's (286) and stolen bases (114).  The team was also in the top 5 in runs (308), doubles (72) and triples (17).  For that performance, the team earned the #4 seed going into the 2019 Small College World Series, their highest seed in recent years.  Additionally, he had one player named USCAA Academic All-American and fourteen who earned PSUAC Academic All-Conference honors.

In addition to his accolades on the field, Kirschner was also awarded with the Scannell Award, named for Robert J. Scannell.  It recognizes an administrator, faculty, staff member or coach who has served commonwealth campus athletic programs with distinction.  In his tenure, he has guided his team to ten of the past twelve USCAA Softball National Tournaments, been named PSUAC Coach of the Year for the fourth time and earned USCAA Softball Coach of the year.  He has also been named the USCAA's Garth Pleasant Athletic Director of the Year in 2011 and was honored by the Beaver County Hall of Fame in 2013.  In addition, Kirschner has served as the president of the USCAA's Board of Directors and will serve as the president of the PSUAC's Council of Athletic Directors beginning July 1, 2019.