The LBSU softball team exemplifying unity on the field.
Kendall Fearn has been named the head softball coach at Long Beach State, succeeding Kim Sowder. Fearn aims to enhance the program with a focus on talent, grit, and unity, building upon a history of success while embracing new challenges. Her extensive coaching background and vision for player development signal a promising future for the team.
Long Beach, CA – Kendall Fearn, a former standout player at Carlsbad High School, has been appointed as the head softball coach at Long Beach State (LBSU) following the retirement of Kim Sowder, who led the program for 19 seasons. The announcement, made late last month, marks a significant leadership change for the LBSU softball team, as Fearn becomes the third head coach in the program’s 42-year history.
Fearn steps into her new role after a tenure that saw LBSU compile a record of 52 wins and 51 losses over the past two seasons. She envisions building a successful program centered on talent, grit, and unity. To achieve this, Fearn plans to prioritize holistic player development and pursue aggressive recruitment strategies aimed at competing for Big West Conference titles.
Before taking on the head coaching role at LBSU, Fearn established a notable coaching career, beginning as a collegiate softball player at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She transitioned to coaching at her alma mater, where she began honing her skills. Following her time at UNLV, Fearn furthered her coaching experience at Georgia Southern University and later at Marshall University, where she notably earned a master’s degree in sports education and leadership.
At Marshall, Fearn served as the hitting coach for four seasons, achieving impressive results that included a team batting average of .313. Her success at Marshall paved the way for a five-year stint as the associate head coach at Indiana University, where she continued to develop her coaching repertoire. Most recently, Fearn worked as an assistant coach at San Diego State University, under the guidance of head coach Stacy Nuveman Deniz.
Nuveman Deniz has highlighted Fearn’s selection as a significant asset to Long Beach State, characterizing her as a “home-run hire.” Nuveman Deniz emphasized Fearn’s qualities as a mentor and developer of talent, which are crucial for fostering a productive and successful softball program. The hiring also reflects a growing trend of former San Diego State Aztecs joining the Long Beach State athletics program, as Fearn joins Athletic Director Bobby Smitheran and men’s basketball coach Chris Acker.
Smitheran has described Fearn as a “program builder” and a seasoned leader with the necessary experience in NCAA competitions to take the LBSU softball team to new heights. Fearn’s track record as a player adds to her credentials, as she ranked among the top ten in multiple offensive categories during her time at UNLV. Despite facing health challenges throughout her athletic career, including two foot surgeries and a torn ACL, Fearn demonstrated resilience and excellence as a collegiate athlete.
Fearn steps into a program with a rich history, where her predecessor, Kim Sowder, achieved over 500 career wins at Long Beach State, boasting an impressive near 70% win rate in conference games. With this successful foundation, Fearn is set to embrace the challenges ahead and is optimistic about the future of LBSU softball.
As she embarks on her journey as head coach, Kendall Fearn aims to create a competitive environment at Long Beach State, focusing on both athlete performance and personal growth. Her comprehensive vision and commitment to the program signal a bright future for the LBSU softball team.
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