William W. Beard

Head Coach

Softball (1996-2002)

Bill Beard led the Penn State Hazleton softball team from 1996 to 2002. He also held an assistant role during the 1995 season. Beard traveled many miles, across numerous states regionally, to watch potential players for not only his team, but the remainder of the campus as well.w  

During Beard’s time at Penn State Hazleton, he led the softball program to a 256-32 record from 1996-2002. He also held a successful record within the conference, with a cumulative total of 96 wins and 5 losses.

Bill attributed much of the team’s success to his assistant coaches, Steve Yablonsky and Paul Kerestus. Bill and his assistants worked as volunteers so that additional money was available to the program.

Beard was named PCAA Coach of the Year five times during his tenure. He also coached 11 Academic All-Americans and 13 National Fastpitch Association (NFCA) All-Americans.

Under his leadership, Penn State Hazleton won five conference championships from 1998 to 2002.