Kent State Athletics Names Jexx Varner Eighth Head Softball Coach in Program History
7/8/2026 2:44:00 PM | Softball
KENT, Ohio — Kent State University Vice President & Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond announced today the hiring of Jexx Varner as the eighth head softball coach in program history. Varner arrives at Kent State after six seasons as head coach at Robert Morris University, where he built one of the most decorated stretches in program history, and returns to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) after previously serving as an assistant coach at Kent State from 2010 to 2013.
We are thrilled to welcome Jexx Varner back to Kent State as our next head softball coach, said Richmond. A big part of what makes him the right leader for Kent State is what he built at Robert Morris, transforming them into a championship program, culminating in a Horizon League championship, an NCAA Regional appearance, and some of the most prolific offensive numbers in the country. That kind of proven ability to elevate a culture is exactly what we want for Kent State softball, and we can't wait to see him bring that same success to the Golden Flashes.
Varner takes over a program he knows well, having helped lead Kent State to a MAC East title in 2013.
Varner spent six seasons (2020–2026) as head softball coach at Robert Morris University, culminating in a historic 2026 campaign that reset program and Horizon League records across multiple offensive categories, including:
- 96 home runs — Horizon League and RMU record; 14th in the nation, 6th per game
- 423 RBIs — Horizon League and RMU record; 7th in the nation, 3rd per game
- 457 runs scored — Horizon League and RMU record; 8th in the nation in total runs, 3rd per game (9.3 runs/game)
- .373 team batting average — Horizon League and RMU record; 4th in the nation
- .663 slugging percentage — Horizon League and RMU record; 4th in the nation
- Additional program records in hits, doubles, total bases, and on-base percentage, several ranking among the top 10 nationally
Under Varner's leadership, Robert Morris won the 2025 Horizon League Tournament championship and reached the tournament final in 2022 and 2026. The 2025 season also delivered the program's first NCAA Regional appearance in 20 years, just the fourth in program history. RMU earned a Horizon League Tournament berth in each of Varner's six seasons, the only program in the conference to do so during that span, and he compiled a 161-123 overall record with a .621 winning percentage in Horizon League play.
Varner's teams were equally strong in the classroom, posting team GPAs of 3.656 or higher in five of his six seasons as head coach, including a program-record 3.719 in 2024.
Before taking over the program, Varner served as assistant coach and interim head coach at Robert Morris from 2017 to 2020, guiding the team through its transition from the Northeast Conference to the Horizon League, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an athletic department leadership change. He began his career at RMU as a graduate assistant coach from 2007 to 2009, helping the team to consecutive NEC runner-up finishes and earning the 2009 NFCA Division I Team GPA Award.
Varner also spent four seasons (2013–2017) as head coach at Lafayette College, where he set the program's fielding percentage record and guided the team to its best winning percentage since 2009, and one season (2009–2010) as an assistant at Ashland University, helping the Eagles to a #15 national ranking and the program's first NCAA Super Regionals appearance.
I am incredibly humbled and honored to be named the next head softball coach at Kent State University, said Varner. I want to sincerely thank Randale, the executive leadership team, and the members of the search committee for the trust they have placed in me to lead this storied program. Kent State has always held a special place in my heart, and the opportunity to boomerang back is one that my family and I truly cherish. I am excited to build meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, reconnect with our outstanding alums, and engage with the passionate Kent State community. Together, we will embrace the championship tradition that defines Kent State softball while building a culture rooted in excellence, personal growth, gratitude, and relentless competitiveness. I cannot wait to get to work as we restore Kent State softball to compete for championships and to represent this university with pride.
A 16-year member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), Varner currently serves on the NCAA Softball Playing Rules Sub-Committee. He is also an NFCA-endorsed hitting and pitching coach.
Varner earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management (2007) and Master of Arts in Organizational Studies and Leadership (2009), both from Robert Morris University. Varner will take the helm on Monday, July 13.
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