Heading into the 2024 Women’s Soccer season, Head Coach Joe Mallia announced a new assistant coach, Emma Kershner, earlier this month.
Mallia said, “Through the many conversations we have had with Emma leading up to her hire we are confident she will fit right in with our staff and our program. This will allow our team to expand our reach, on and off the field.”
According to Loyola Greyhounds, she finished two seasons as an assistant coach at Austin Peay State University, where she focused mainly on training the forwards and midfielders. Kershner was able to help lead the Governors to the postseason for the first time in four years. She currently holds a USSF D Coaching License, a United Soccer Coaches Futsal I License, and a United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeper I License.
Before deciding to make the change, she expressed that she already knew a little bit about Loyola’s program. Now officially a part of the coaching staff, she is super excited for the future season as she sees a lot of potential in the team. She wants to bring the excitement for the players.
Kershner said, “I want to bring the passion. I love the energy. I still miss playing.”
During her collegiate years at Virginia Commonwealth University, she was named the Atlantic 10 Midfielder of the Year, two-time First Team All-Atlantic selection, a Second Team All-Atlantic 10 selection, and Academic All-Atlantic 10 selection. With that, Kershner is ranked fourth all-time at her university with seven career game-winning goals and tied for 10th all-time with 14 assists. Before her time at Virginia Commonwealth, Kershner played at Indiana University for two years. There, she played in 15 matches and earned Academic Big-10 honors during 2017, according to Loyola Greyhounds.
Head Coach Mallia said that her college years and all that she accomplished will be very helpful for the team’s growth and gaining new perspectives.
She likes to focus on the details, as she prefers to be detail-oriented in the game. Kershner believes that this way of thinking can really push the team to the next level.
Kershner said, “I think what separates championship teams comes down to where your first touch takes you.”
Her goals for this season are relative to those of every season, to be a championship contending team. If the team wins the tournament, then they will go into the NCAA, which is a big feat. Kershner already knows that this is a challenge, but believes that the team can do it.
For her personal goals, she wants to focus on building relationships with the girls. Kershner wants to find the time to talk with them and make sure they have the tools they need to succeed. She wants to be an outlet and help the team in any way that she can.
Kershner said, “The most important part for me is to continue to build [relationships] with the players.”
She wants everyone to challenge themselves. Kershner believes that this is a good team with a good style. She just wants to jump over that hurdle and push through.
