Jason Kerst 2024-25 Women's Tennis Staff

On July 25th, 2023, women’s tennis head coach Alison Silverio announced the addition of Jason Kerst to the Fighting Irish coaching staff. Kerst joins the Irish after spending the 2022-23 academic year as part of the Virginia Tech athletic department. He’s previously coaching at the University of South Carolina and as part of the Blue Chip Player Development program in Ann Arbor Michigan, in addition to being a former student-athlete at the University of Iowa.

“I am delighted to introduce Jason Kerst as our new assistant coach.” Head coach Alison Silverio said, “His strong alignment with our program values, competitive excellence and Notre Dame’s mission is truly remarkable. Jason is wholeheartedly dedicated to enhancing the well-being and holistic development of our student-athletes. I eagerly anticipate our partnership and the continued success of our program!”

“I could not be more excited to join the Fighting Irish program.” Kerst stated, “I look forward to working with our staff and players as we build on the incredible progress this team has made in recent years. Thank you to Coach Silverio, JP Abercrumbie and Notre Dame Athletics for this amazing opportunity. Go Irish!” 

In his first season with the Irish, Kerst helped the Irish finish the season 18-10 overall and 7-6 in ACC action, reaching the 18-win plateau for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Notre Dame tallied six wins over ranked opponents, including a 4-2 win over #21 Duke at the Eck Tennis Pavilion. Notre Dame made its way back to Ann Arbor for the NCAA Regionals for the second-straight season, defeating Xavier 4-3 and had the third-ranked Wolverines on the ropes before falling 4-2. Julia Andreach and Page Freeman earned All-ACC honors for their performances. Andreach put together one of the best individual seasons in recent history, finishing 20-3 overall, going 12-1 in ACC play, splitting time between the top two flights and earning second team All-ACC honors and ending the season ranked 27th. Andreach and Freeman earned third team All-ACC honors in doubles, finishing 7-4 overall and 6-2 in ACC action. Andreach qualified for the NCAA Individual Tournament, the third-consecutive season Notre Dame has had at least one qualifier in the national tournament.

As part of Blue Chip Player Development, Kerst served as the elite junior academy coach for the top national and international players during winter and summer breaks. While there, he worked with five different players that were recruited and competed at the power five level. He also worked directly with Kari Miller, the 2022 Big Ten Player of the Year. 

Kerst worked as the volunteer coach at South Carolina during the 2021-22 season, where he also obtained his master’s degree. There, he served as the primary hitting coach for ITA All-American champion, SEC Freshman of the Year and top ranked player Sarah Hamner. He also helped lead the Gamecocks to the NCAA round of 32 with four singles players and three doubles pairings entering the ITA rankings. 

Prior to his coaching career, Kerst was a student-athlete at the University of Iowa where he competed with the men’s tennis program. While there, he earned the ITA Regional Arthur Ashe Leadership Award, was a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honoree and was an Academic All-Big Ten selection all four seasons. He also was part of the Big Ten Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was president of the Iowa Student Athlete-Advisory Committee.