After an extensive search, Pennsylvania College of Technology has named Scott Kennell director of athletics.
Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour made the announcement Wednesday at a press conference held in Bardo Gymnasium on the college's main campus in Williamsport..
"The search for the position was extensive, with more than 100 highly qualified candidates applying from all over the country,"she said. "We wanted someone not only with strong experience, but the drive and ability to take the department to new levels. I believe we have found that person."
"It's an honor to be with you this afternoon," Kennell said. "I can't express to you how humble I feel taking over this position and becoming the next athletic director at Penn College."
Kennell comes to Penn College after serving as director of athletics at Lycoming College since 2008. On top of overseeing the program's 17 Division III programs, he also served as the head men's soccer coach, a position held since 2000. In his tenure, the department has seen major success, including three conference championships and a national tournament berth, as well as more than 200 Mid-Atlantic Conference Academic Honor Roll selections and five All-Americans.
Kennell will inherit a program that has seen much success over the years, including three consecutive Penn State University Athletic Conference Chancellor Cups, 23 conference championships, 24 United States Collegiate Athletic Association All-Americans, and more than 100 academic awards.
"I am looking forward to getting started in the department," Kennell said. "My vision for the department is to develop student-athletes who will excel in the classroom, win at the highest levels of competition, engage in the community and become leaders, who will make a difference in the world."
A native of Baltimore, Kennell graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in physical education. After playing a year with the United Soccer League's Eastern Shore Sharks, he started coaching as an assistant for the Gettysburg College men's soccer team. Just a year later, he made his way to Williamsport, taking the men's soccer head coach position at Lycoming College.
Over the next eight years, Kennell not only built the men's soccer program, but took on administrative duties in the department. When the director of athletics of 24 years, Frank Girardi, retired in 2008, Kennell became the standout choice.
Kennell will officially start his new position on July 1.