Wilkes University Athletics Director Addy Malatesta has announced the hiring of Jackie Klahold as the new head coach for softball. Klahold becomes the 10th head coach in the program’s 43-year history.

“I want to thank Addy Malatesta and the entire search committee for the great opportunity to lead the Colonels softball program,” said Klahold. “The Wilkes softball program has such a strong foundation for student-athletes to be successful on and off the playing field. I am eager to hit the ground running and continue to build upon what has been set in place.”

Klahold spent the past five seasons as head coach of Penn College in Williamsport, Pa. where she also held the titles of Senior Women’s Administrator, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Advisor, Title IX Investigator and Interim Fitness Center Coordinator.

“We are excited to match our talented student-athletes with Coach Klahold’s background and dedication to creating a great experience for her team,” said Wilkes University Interim President Dr. Paul Adams.

“There were so many aspects of this position that caught my attention, but the first three were tradition, challenge and the facilities,” noted Klahold. “The Wilkes softball program has a tradition of producing strong competitive teams, especially over the past few years. You combine that with top-notch facilities and the challenge of continuing to build upon that success and tradition, it made this position very appealing to me. I am very excited to get started with this great group of women who are very proud of the program that they helped build and want to see continue to grow.”