Jason Kennedy Named BC Volleyball Head Coach

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Boston College's William V. Campbell Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond announced the hiring of Jason Kennedy as the new head coach of the Eagles' volleyball program.

Kennedy comes to The Heights after spending the previous three seasons as a member of the USC women's volleyball staff, the last two as the team's associate head coach. Over the past three seasons at USC, the women's volleyball program compiled a record of 75-25 and made three appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

"Our national search provided us with some of the best and brightest candidates in volleyball, but one person stood out - Jason Kennedy. We are excited to have him join the Boston College community," Jarmond said. "Jason possesses an impressive background as a student-athlete and a coach at the college and U.S. National team levels. He is a highly-respected recruiter, teacher, and strategist and has developed some of the best young volleyball student-athletes in the nation. I am looking forward to working with Jason and am excited to see the impact that he will have on our volleyball program."

This past season, Kennedy and the Women of Troy advanced to the NCAA regional final. It marked the program's 27th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance and the 35th all-time. In 2015, Kennedy helped guide the Women of Troy to the 2015 NCAA regional final while playing a key role in the recruitment and development of AVCA National Player of the Year Samantha Bricio.

"I want to thank Martin Jarmond, Jamie DiLoreto, and Jocelyn Fisher Gates for seeing the potential in me as a head coach in the ACC," said Kennedy. "From the beginning, I could tell there was a renewed excitement around BC Athletics and the energy around the department is contagious. Boston College is a strong academic destination for so many reasons but the people at Boston College are really what separated it and made it special from a lot of different places. I want to thank the University of Southern California, especially Mick Haley and Bill Ferguson, for the opportunities they've presented me over the last eight years that have allowed me to grow personally and professionally into the coach I am today. I know there is a lot of work ahead but am looking forward to getting into the gym and getting a new culture and foundation underway at BC."

For four seasons, from 2011-15, Kennedy served as the technical director for both the men's and women's volleyball programs at USC. In that role, Kennedy was responsible for the preparation of all team scouting reports and game plans and in-game strategy. He also oversaw video analysis, exchange, and distribution for both programs.

In 2011 with Kennedy as technical director, the Women of Troy reached the 2011 NCAA national semifinals, and made appearances in back-to-back regional championship matches in 2012 and 2013. He was also part of the staff for the Trojans' men's squad that advanced to the NCAA Championship match in 2011.

Kennedy was a scout coach with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Beach Volleyball men's and women's programs in London, where he created scouting reports for all opponents while responsible for all video analysis and breakdown. In 2013 and 2015, he served a similar role on the FIVB World Tour.

Away from the college ranks, Kennedy served as the highly successful head coach of the Club Troy 17's squad that captured the bronze medal at the 2014 Junior National Championships and led Los Altos High School to four consecutive California Interscholastic Federation playoff appearances from 2007-10.

A native of Honolulu, Kennedy has a strong Jesuit educational background. He was the setter and team captain at Santa Clara from 2004-07, where he received bachelor's degrees in biology and psychology. In 2009, Kennedy earned his master's degree in sport management from the University of San Francisco.

What They Are Saying About Jason Kennedy

"Jason Kennedy is one of the best prepared young coaches in the US today. His knowledge of the game is superior; he understands how to recruit within the NCAA guidelines and to the institution that he works. However, Jason's greatest talents are as a teacher and communicator. He is unsurpassed in this area and that is why he is supported and well-liked by all those who have come to work with him and know him. His lack of experience will not be a problem for Jason never makes the same mistake twice and he will provide an environment for the student athletes where they will improve and enjoy the game daily. He will demand a culture that will allow success yearly."
- Mick Haley, Former Head Coach at University of Southern California, Former Head Coach of the US National Team

"Jason Kennedy is a great hire for Boston College. He is a proven recruiter and teacher of the game. He has advanced in the NCAA tournament and knows how to win big matches. I look for big things from BC with him at the helm."
- Tim Nollan, Head Coach at Grand Canyon University

"Jason is one of the bright young minds in our game. He was a key part of my staff at USC and was integral in helping lead us to the Final Four. He has a unique ability to see the game at a high level and articulate it to the student athletes. This is a fantastic opportunity for Jason and Alana, and a great hire for Boston College. The young women in the volleyball program are fortunate to have such a quality coach and excellent leader in Jason. Boston College and the ACC just got better."
- Bill Ferguson, Head Coach at Wake Forest University

"Jason Kennedy is one of the hardest working, and well-rounded coaches I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Combining his strong scouting and tactical background with a good mix of knowledge in multiple systems, he is able to come up with creative solutions to offset any perceived team deficiencies.
His passion for the game and competitive drive are both obvious and contagious to the players under his tutelage. Jason's ability to recruit athletes that are both high in skill, and in character, will help move the BC program forward in the right direction."
- Jeffrey Liu, Technical Coordinator - USA Volleyball Women's National Team

"I believe that Jason is incredibly well prepared to guide young student athletes into their adult lives. I feel that a balance of a respectful, calm demeanor balanced with a relentless work ethic is critical for guiding the current and future generations of collegiate student athletes. Jason's mellow disposition forges strong relationships with his student athletes and colleagues, and his work ethic continues to serve as an example of a growth mindset in action."
- Andrew Fuller, Head Beach Coach at Stanford University

"Throughout this year, I have seen all the qualities of a "dream" head coach in Jason. He is honest, dependable, and incredibly hard working. Beyond that, he is willing to go above and beyond for his athletes. Along with his undeniable coaching skills, Jason has always been a well-respected and personable coach. He is a true leader, and manages to foster positive relationships, bringing out the best in the players with whom he works."
- Alexis Olgard, Former All American USC Volleyball Player and current Director of Operations

Jason Kennedy Named BC Volleyball Head Coach

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