Penn State women’s assistant Kearns tabbed new head coach at Neumann

Penn State women’s assistant coach Gina Kearns accepted the head coaching position at Neumann, returning to the school where she served as an assistant from 2009 to 2011.

Kearns will also serve as Neumann’s athletic new media coordinator. She was also responsible for all of the social media updates for Penn State women’s hockey during the 2011-12 season.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Gina to the Neumann University community,” said Neumann director of athletics and recreation Chuck Sack in a news release. “She conveyed an exciting vision and tremendous energy and enthusiasm for this opportunity. Her knowledge and passion for ice hockey and new media programming will serve her well in this position.”

“It is a dream come true to return to Neumann University to take on the roles of head women’s hockey coach and athletic new media coordinator,” added Kearns. “A sincere thank you to Chuck Sack, Sr. Marguerite and David Brownlee for this amazing opportunity.”

Kearns was in charge of Penn State’s forwards and power play and also served as the team’s recruiting coordinator.

“Gina has been my partner from day one in building this program,” Nittany Lions’ head coach Josh Brandwene said in a news release. “We will miss her and we are so proud of her as she makes this next step on her career journey. She’s been an excellent influence on our student-athletes and her positive contributions to this program will be felt for years to come. I wish her well and she will always be a part of our Penn State family.”

Penn State director of operations Alex Dawes will serve as an interim assistant coach this season.