Baseball: Louie Bernardini named Associate Head Coach

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier University Athletic Department has announced the appointment of Louie Bernardini as the Associate Head Coach for the University's Baseball program. The announcement was made by the Raiders 7th year Head Baseball Coach Anthony Perry. Bernardini will primarily work with the programs pitchers and assist Coach Perry in recruiting efforts.

"Any time you can add a coach with the background that Louie has, you do it." Said Coach Perry, who also serves as the University's Sports Information Director along with other department responsibilities. "His experience in not only playing but also in coaching is something that's invaluable to any program. We are very fortunate to have him become a member of our knowledgeable staff and I know that the student-athletes will learn a lot from him."

Bernardini comes across town to Rivier after previously serving as the Daniel Webster College Head Baseball Coach the past two seasons (2016-2017). While at DW, Bernardini totaled the most wins by a head coach in his inaugural season in the history of the Eagle program. Prior to that, he served as an assistant coach at Long Island University-Brooklyn (2015), a NCAA Division I program, and where he was the recruiting coordinator and responsible for the Blackbird's pitching staff. That season, LIU-Brooklyn earned the top GPA honors in the NEC conference.

Bernardini also spent time as the pitching coach for Brown University (2014) where is pitching staff was nationally ranked for fewest walks allowed, Bates College (2012-2013) and two stops in the Collegiate Summer Leagues - the Brockton Rox of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (2014) and the Saratoga Phillies of the New York Collegiate Baseball League (2009). He also served as a graduate assistant at Springfield College for two seasons (2010-11).

A native of Gray, Maine, Bernardini played four years at Wheaton College, a New England Division III school. He was a part of four 30+ win seasons for the Lyons including a program record of 42-10 in 2006. Bernardini won three-straight NEWMAC Championships while in Norton, Mass. and was the NCAA Division III National Runner-Up in 2006. He was also named to two NEIBA All-Star teams and as well as NEWMAC All-Conference, New England All-Regional and National Tournament team honors. During his summers he received accolades including Pitcher of the Year, Gold Glove and was also the starting pitcher vs. the Dominican Republic & Russian Olympic teams as a member of the Saratoga Phillies (2006-07). He was also a part of the Phillies NYCBL Championship squad in 2006. He also received the starting nod against Team USA as a member of the Pittsfield Dukes of the New England Collegiate Baseball League in 2008.

Bernardini graduated from Wheaton in 2009 and then earned a Master of Science in Physical Education from Springfield College in 2011. He currently resides in Merrimack, N.H. with his wife Kellie and their two daughters, Claire (2) and Cora (5 mo.).

Coach Bernardini will make his Raider debut when the team opens the 2018 season at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Fort Myers, Florida on Sunday, March 4th. Rivier will face the United States Merchant Marine Academy in a double-header starting at 12pm. Games will be available via live stats on the Rivier Athletic website at www.rivierathletics.com.