Volleyball
Kennedy, Jason
Jason Kennedy
- Title:
- Head Coach
- Email:
- jason.kennedy@bc.edu
- Phone:
- 552-4639
Jason Kennedy is the most winningest coach in Boston College volleyball program history, and has tallied the most ACC match wins in program history in his eighth year as head coach. A 2022 NIVC Champion, Kennedy has changed BC Volleyball and led them to their best program records during his tenure. In 2024 under Coach Kennedy, Julia Haggerty was selected to All-ACC and All-Region as she proved to be the best blocker in the country.
The Eagles went 19-13 in 2023 and 8-10 in the ACC, achieving .594 on the season. Kennedy led the team as they went 11-5 at home and had a 7-0 undefeated run the first seven home matches of the year. Kennedy led the Eagles to ACC victories over Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke, Syracuse, NC State, Syracuse, Wake Forset and Miami.
In 2022, Coach Kennedy led BC Volleyball to their best start in program history at 10-0. He and his team set the single season program record for most wins in a single season at 24 (the previous record was 20 which had been done on two occasions, in 2004 coached led by former head coach Andrea Leonard and in 2019 which was also a Kennedy coached team). He and his staff also set a new program record for most career wins in BC Volleyball history at 82, passing Andrea Leonard who finished with 80. Kennedy, who has just finished up his fifth season as head coach, has broken the all time wins record in over one less full season then Leonard who coached for seven seasons. The 2022 Eagles also managed to win the first ever postseason championship in program history, defeating Drake 3-1 in the NIVC Finals. In the NIVC Tournament, BC also had wins over Buffalo, St. John's, Xavier, and Southern Miss.
Through his first four seasons, Kennedy became the fastest coach in program history to 50 wins with a 3-1 victory over Fordham on September 11, 2021. In 2021, the Eagles captured their first postseason victory with a 3-0 win in the first round of the NIVC. Kennedy led the Eagles to 20 wins in 2019 - its most in program history - highlighted by a 5-0 start to Atlantic Coast Conference play and breaking a program record with 11 ACC victories in a single season. Amaka Chukwujekwu earned All-ACC honors in 2019 and 2020 becoming the first Eagle to earn conference honors since 2015. In his first four seasons, Kennedy has led the team to 3 seasons of .500 or better volleyball. In 2018 in his first season, Kennedy achieved that mark for just the first time since 2003.
Boston College made its second postseason appearance in three years in 2021; earning hosting position for the first two rounds of the NIVC. The Eagles hosted postseason play for the first time in program history. BC finished the year 17-17 overall; its third year at or above .500 in Kennedy's first four years.
The 2019 Eagles went 20-12 overall and 11-7 in the ACC; picking up a big to the NIVC. BC claimed five road wins in the league, beginning conference play with wins at Clemson and Georgia Tech.
In his first season at the helm of the Eagles' program, Kennedy led the team to a 15-15 overall record, headlined by a program-best 9-0 opening run.
Kennedy comes to Boston College after spending the previous three seasons as a member of the USC women’s volleyball staff, the last two as the team’s associate head coach. Over the past three seasons at USC, the women’s volleyball program compiled a record of 75-25 and made three appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
In his final season on staff at USC, Kennedy and the Women of Troy advanced to the NCAA regional final. It marked the program’s 27th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance and the 35th all-time. In 2015, Kennedy helped guide the Women of Troy to the 2015 NCAA regional final while playing a key role in the recruitment and development of AVCA National Player of the Year Samantha Bricio.
For four seasons, from 2011-15, Kennedy served as the technical director for both the men’s and women’s volleyball programs at USC. In that role, Kennedy was responsible for the preparation of all team scouting reports and game plans and in-game strategy. He also oversaw video analysis, exchange, and distribution for both programs.
In 2011 with Kennedy as technical director, the Women of Troy reached the 2011 NCAA national semifinals, and made appearances in back-to-back regional championship matches in 2012 and 2013. He was also part of the staff for the Trojans’ men’s squad that advanced to the NCAA Championship match in 2011.
Kennedy was a scout coach with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Beach Volleyball men’s and women’s programs in London, where he created scouting reports for all opponents while responsible for all video analysis and breakdown. In 2013 and 2015, he served a similar role on the FIVB World Tour.
Away from the college ranks, Kennedy served as the highly successful head coach of the Club Troy 17’s squad that captured the bronze medal at the 2014 Junior National Championships and led Los Altos High School to four consecutive California Interscholastic Federation playoff appearances from 2007-10.
A native of Honolulu, Kennedy has a strong Jesuit educational background. He was the setter and team captain at Santa Clara from 2004-07, where he received bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology. In 2009, Kennedy earned his master's degree in sport management from the University of San Francisco.
What They Are Saying About Jason Kennedy
"Jason Kennedy is one of the best prepared young coaches in the US today. His knowledge of the game is superior; he understands how to recruit within the NCAA guidelines and to the institution that he works. However, Jason's greatest talents are as a teacher and communicator. He is unsurpassed in this area and that is why he is supported and well-liked by all those who have come to work with him and know him. His lack of experience will not be a problem for Jason never makes the same mistake twice and he will provide an environment for the student athletes where they will improve and enjoy the game daily. He will demand a culture that will allow success yearly."
- Mick Haley, Former Head Coach at University of Southern California, Former Head Coach of the US National Team
"Jason Kennedy is a great hire for Boston College. He is a proven recruiter and teacher of the game. He has advanced in the NCAA tournament and knows how to win big matches. I look for big things from BC with him at the helm."
- Tim Nollan, Head Coach at Grand Canyon University
"Jason is one of the bright young minds in our game. He was a key part of my staff at USC and was integral in helping lead us to the Final Four. He has a unique ability to see the game at a high level and articulate it to the student athletes. This is a fantastic opportunity for Jason and Alana, and a great hire for Boston College. The young women in the volleyball program are fortunate to have such a quality coach and excellent leader in Jason. Boston College and the ACC just got better."
- Bill Ferguson, Head Coach at Wake Forest University
"Jason Kennedy is one of the hardest working, and well-rounded coaches I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Combining his strong scouting and tactical background with a good mix of knowledge in multiple systems, he is able to come up with creative solutions to offset any perceived team deficiencies.
His passion for the game and competitive drive are both obvious and contagious to the players under his tutelage. Jason's ability to recruit athletes that are both high in skill, and in character, will help move the BC program forward in the right direction."
- Jeffrey Liu, Technical Coordinator - USA Volleyball Women's National Team
"I believe that Jason is incredibly well prepared to guide young student athletes into their adult lives. I feel that a balance of a respectful, calm demeanor balanced with a relentless work ethic is critical for guiding the current and future generations of collegiate student athletes. Jason’s mellow disposition forges strong relationships with his student athletes and colleagues, and his work ethic continues to serve as an example of a growth mindset in action."
- Andrew Fuller, Head Beach Coach at Stanford University
"Throughout this year, I have seen all the qualities of a “dream” head coach in Jason. He is honest, dependable, and incredibly hard working. Beyond that, he is willing to go above and beyond for his athletes. Along with his undeniable coaching skills, Jason has always been a well-respected and personable coach. He is a true leader, and manages to foster positive relationships, bringing out the best in the players with whom he works."
- Alexis Olgard, Former All American USC Volleyball Player and current Director of Operations
The Eagles went 19-13 in 2023 and 8-10 in the ACC, achieving .594 on the season. Kennedy led the team as they went 11-5 at home and had a 7-0 undefeated run the first seven home matches of the year. Kennedy led the Eagles to ACC victories over Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke, Syracuse, NC State, Syracuse, Wake Forset and Miami.
In 2022, Coach Kennedy led BC Volleyball to their best start in program history at 10-0. He and his team set the single season program record for most wins in a single season at 24 (the previous record was 20 which had been done on two occasions, in 2004 coached led by former head coach Andrea Leonard and in 2019 which was also a Kennedy coached team). He and his staff also set a new program record for most career wins in BC Volleyball history at 82, passing Andrea Leonard who finished with 80. Kennedy, who has just finished up his fifth season as head coach, has broken the all time wins record in over one less full season then Leonard who coached for seven seasons. The 2022 Eagles also managed to win the first ever postseason championship in program history, defeating Drake 3-1 in the NIVC Finals. In the NIVC Tournament, BC also had wins over Buffalo, St. John's, Xavier, and Southern Miss.
Through his first four seasons, Kennedy became the fastest coach in program history to 50 wins with a 3-1 victory over Fordham on September 11, 2021. In 2021, the Eagles captured their first postseason victory with a 3-0 win in the first round of the NIVC. Kennedy led the Eagles to 20 wins in 2019 - its most in program history - highlighted by a 5-0 start to Atlantic Coast Conference play and breaking a program record with 11 ACC victories in a single season. Amaka Chukwujekwu earned All-ACC honors in 2019 and 2020 becoming the first Eagle to earn conference honors since 2015. In his first four seasons, Kennedy has led the team to 3 seasons of .500 or better volleyball. In 2018 in his first season, Kennedy achieved that mark for just the first time since 2003.
Boston College made its second postseason appearance in three years in 2021; earning hosting position for the first two rounds of the NIVC. The Eagles hosted postseason play for the first time in program history. BC finished the year 17-17 overall; its third year at or above .500 in Kennedy's first four years.
The 2019 Eagles went 20-12 overall and 11-7 in the ACC; picking up a big to the NIVC. BC claimed five road wins in the league, beginning conference play with wins at Clemson and Georgia Tech.
In his first season at the helm of the Eagles' program, Kennedy led the team to a 15-15 overall record, headlined by a program-best 9-0 opening run.
Kennedy comes to Boston College after spending the previous three seasons as a member of the USC women’s volleyball staff, the last two as the team’s associate head coach. Over the past three seasons at USC, the women’s volleyball program compiled a record of 75-25 and made three appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
In his final season on staff at USC, Kennedy and the Women of Troy advanced to the NCAA regional final. It marked the program’s 27th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance and the 35th all-time. In 2015, Kennedy helped guide the Women of Troy to the 2015 NCAA regional final while playing a key role in the recruitment and development of AVCA National Player of the Year Samantha Bricio.
For four seasons, from 2011-15, Kennedy served as the technical director for both the men’s and women’s volleyball programs at USC. In that role, Kennedy was responsible for the preparation of all team scouting reports and game plans and in-game strategy. He also oversaw video analysis, exchange, and distribution for both programs.
In 2011 with Kennedy as technical director, the Women of Troy reached the 2011 NCAA national semifinals, and made appearances in back-to-back regional championship matches in 2012 and 2013. He was also part of the staff for the Trojans’ men’s squad that advanced to the NCAA Championship match in 2011.
Kennedy was a scout coach with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Beach Volleyball men’s and women’s programs in London, where he created scouting reports for all opponents while responsible for all video analysis and breakdown. In 2013 and 2015, he served a similar role on the FIVB World Tour.
Away from the college ranks, Kennedy served as the highly successful head coach of the Club Troy 17’s squad that captured the bronze medal at the 2014 Junior National Championships and led Los Altos High School to four consecutive California Interscholastic Federation playoff appearances from 2007-10.
A native of Honolulu, Kennedy has a strong Jesuit educational background. He was the setter and team captain at Santa Clara from 2004-07, where he received bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology. In 2009, Kennedy earned his master's degree in sport management from the University of San Francisco.
What They Are Saying About Jason Kennedy
"Jason Kennedy is one of the best prepared young coaches in the US today. His knowledge of the game is superior; he understands how to recruit within the NCAA guidelines and to the institution that he works. However, Jason's greatest talents are as a teacher and communicator. He is unsurpassed in this area and that is why he is supported and well-liked by all those who have come to work with him and know him. His lack of experience will not be a problem for Jason never makes the same mistake twice and he will provide an environment for the student athletes where they will improve and enjoy the game daily. He will demand a culture that will allow success yearly."
- Mick Haley, Former Head Coach at University of Southern California, Former Head Coach of the US National Team
"Jason Kennedy is a great hire for Boston College. He is a proven recruiter and teacher of the game. He has advanced in the NCAA tournament and knows how to win big matches. I look for big things from BC with him at the helm."
- Tim Nollan, Head Coach at Grand Canyon University
"Jason is one of the bright young minds in our game. He was a key part of my staff at USC and was integral in helping lead us to the Final Four. He has a unique ability to see the game at a high level and articulate it to the student athletes. This is a fantastic opportunity for Jason and Alana, and a great hire for Boston College. The young women in the volleyball program are fortunate to have such a quality coach and excellent leader in Jason. Boston College and the ACC just got better."
- Bill Ferguson, Head Coach at Wake Forest University
"Jason Kennedy is one of the hardest working, and well-rounded coaches I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Combining his strong scouting and tactical background with a good mix of knowledge in multiple systems, he is able to come up with creative solutions to offset any perceived team deficiencies.
His passion for the game and competitive drive are both obvious and contagious to the players under his tutelage. Jason's ability to recruit athletes that are both high in skill, and in character, will help move the BC program forward in the right direction."
- Jeffrey Liu, Technical Coordinator - USA Volleyball Women's National Team
"I believe that Jason is incredibly well prepared to guide young student athletes into their adult lives. I feel that a balance of a respectful, calm demeanor balanced with a relentless work ethic is critical for guiding the current and future generations of collegiate student athletes. Jason’s mellow disposition forges strong relationships with his student athletes and colleagues, and his work ethic continues to serve as an example of a growth mindset in action."
- Andrew Fuller, Head Beach Coach at Stanford University
"Throughout this year, I have seen all the qualities of a “dream” head coach in Jason. He is honest, dependable, and incredibly hard working. Beyond that, he is willing to go above and beyond for his athletes. Along with his undeniable coaching skills, Jason has always been a well-respected and personable coach. He is a true leader, and manages to foster positive relationships, bringing out the best in the players with whom he works."
- Alexis Olgard, Former All American USC Volleyball Player and current Director of Operations
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