Flashes Softball Adds Jeff Shaffer to Coaching Staff
8/21/2023 4:18:00 PM | Softball
KENT, Ohio — First-year Kent State softball head coach Jessica O'Donnell has completed her coaching staff with the hiring of assistant coach Jeff Shaffer, who will primarily work with the Golden Flashes' outfielders and offense.
"Jeff is the final piece to our coaching staff that will help us get to where we want to take our Kent State Softball program," O'Donnell said. "His leadership background from the military and as the lead recruiting coordinator for the Ohio Outlaws organization, in addition to his coaching knowledge and experience, is exactly what we need to help prepare our student-athletes for life after college. He will bring energy and passion to working with our offense, defense, and developing strong leaders on and off the field."
Shaffer had served as the director of operations and recruiting coordinator for Ohio Outlaws Fastpitch since June 2022. In addition to establishing a college recruiting program for players in the 15-18u age groups and developing professional relationships with coaches across all levels of college softball, he brought a heavy focus to the mental wellness of organization members. Shaffer initiated the group's first ever mental performance program, Player Resiliency, to assist parents with providing positive support for their children.
An assistant coach for a pair of three-year stints at Neshannock High School, Shaffer helped the Lady Lancers set the Pennsylvania state record with a 48-game winning streak. Overall, he helped Neshannock capture one PIAA Class 2A state championship, one state runner-up finish and four WPIAL district championships.
Shaffer also served the 910th Airlift Wing in Youngstown for more than 20 years in various roles.
A 1990 graduate of Robert Morris University, Shaffer has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a marketing major.
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