For a quarter of a century, Jennifer Kerwin has been roaming the sidelines at West Valley women's soccer matches, strategizing wins and turning young women into athletic and academic success stories.
Since 1996, Kerwin has posted a 232-216-65 record. Her teams have won four Coast Conference championships (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007), and have made 14 CCCAA NorCal playoff appearances, two state Elite Eight (2005, 2005) and one state Final Four (2004) appearances.
She was named the Coast Coach of the Year four times - 2002, 2004, 2013 and 2016. In 2004, Kerwin earned the adidias/National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) West Region Coach of the Year award. Her teams have produced two NSCAA All-Americans, four National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-West players, 23 CCCAA All-NorCal athletes and 18 Coast Players of the Year - four Defenders of the Year, 10 Goalkeepers of the Year, three Midfielders of the Year and one Freshman of the Year.
But, with Jen Kerwin, it goes beyond wins and losses and what happens on the pitch. For Kerwin, it's all about doing it the right way. Her Viking teams have picked up six NSCAA Ethics and Sportsmanship awards, one NSCAA Team Academic Excellence award, and, in 2015, Kerwin was honored with the Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative (BAWSI) Coaching for Significance award. Academics and ethics, combined with 232 career wins.
Q&A with Coach Jennifer Kerwin
What is your favorite West Valley memory?
There are REALLY too many to choose from - games, practices, team trips, success of athletes overcoming obstacles, team activities.
Why should a recruit consider your West Valley team to be their first and best option?
We are a family. We care about the whole student athlete and have a support system to help you on your journey. You will make lifetime friends and memories.
What do you like best about working at West Valley?
All the support we have for our student athletes - academic counselors, athletic trainers and coaches. Also, this beautiful campus and soccer facility.
Describe your coaching style in a single sentence.
Encouragement and support to allow you to be the best student athlete you can be.
Who are your major influences in life and in sports?
My grandmother and my parents. All three supported me on my journey and gave me the courage, passion and belief to pursue my dreams.
When a player graduates from WVC, what do you want them to take with them from their experiences on your team?
You will always be part of a family and will have lifetime friendships. To remember to always trust the process, work hard, believe in yourself and great things will happen for you. Go Vikings!
