Jesse Shadle named Head Men's Soccer Coach

HAZLETON, Pa. - Former Penn State Hazleton soccer standout Jesse Shadle has been named the head men's soccer coach for his alma mater, as the announcement officially removes the interim head coach title he has held since September 2014.

Shadle stepped into the position in early September, taking over for Shawn Holcombe, who had resigned prior to the season to pursue other opportunities. Shadle quickly established himself with the team and the program he knows so well.

From 2006-08, Shadle was a student at Penn State Hazleton where he played three seasons in a Nittany Lions uniform. Shadle then returned as an assistant coach for 2011-12 campaigns, including the 2012 season under Holcombe.

"I am excited to continue a great tradition with the men's soccer program at Penn State Hazleton," says Shadle. "This is a great campus and our goal will be to continue to make the community proud of our program."

Shadle led the Nittany Lions to a 5-10-1 season in 2014 after jumping on board just prior to the first game of the season. The year included a 3-5-1 record in the Penn State University Athletic Conference and a seven game stretch in which the Lions went 5-1-1. Hazleton earned the sixth seed in the PSUAC playoffs, and were knocked out in the first round by third seed Penn State New Kensington.

"We are excited to welcome Jesse back to the program," says director of athletics Ryan Ehrie. "He proved his abilities this past season and has earned the respect of his team. We are confident that he will lead this program to new heights and continue to add to its outstanding tradition." 

Hazleton returns 10 players from last season's squad, including seven starters. Also returning will be leading scorer Steven Principe (Jim Thorpe, Pa.) and second leading scorer, Joseph Torres (Garden City, NY).