Misericordia men's soccer alum David Kern '03 has been named the Academy Director and Goalkeeper Coach for the Harrisburg City Islanders, a USL-2 professional team.

Kern was a four-year starter at Misericordia, and led the Cougars to their first NCAA tournament bid in 2000. He was a three-time All-Region selection.

Kern then enjoyed a six-year professional career, including four seasons as a goalkeeper with Harrisburg.

After leaving Harrisburg, he won an American Indoor Championship with the Baltimore Blast. Kern retired in 2009.

"After discussing retiring from playing with my wife, family, and the Baltimore Blast coaching staff, I felt it was the right time to move on," said Kern, a Harrisburg resident. "Running back and forth from Baltimore and Harrisburg started to take its toll, and I wanted to focus more on coaching."

As Academy Director, Kern will be in charge of the development of Harrisburg's youth team players.

"I hope to give back the knowledge that I have learned throughout my playing career to help the club's keepers progress in their careers. I have come across quality keeper coaches, including my college coach Chuck Edkins, who have helped me mold my coaching style."