Bluffton University has named Kaylea Jachno as head track and field coach and coordinator of cross country and track and field programs.

Jachno comes to Bluffton after serving for the prior two years as assistant track and field and cross country coach at Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind. In 2016, she served as an interim assistant coach at Indiana Tech University in Fort Wayne, Ind.

With six years of coaching experience, she has significant understanding of recruiting, athletics operations, and player training and development. She will start July 9.

“I am excited to take on this responsibility,” said Jachno. “I hold myself to a high standard and believe in leading by example. I truly enjoy helping student-athletes reach their full potential on the field, in the classroom and in the community. I want to especially thank Bluffton’s athletic director, Phill Talavinia, for this opportunity.”

Jachno led the Manchester University throws team to victory in personal bests, lifetime bests, Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference championships, national marks and national competitions.

She coached several conference champions in throws and one female athlete to both indoor and outdoor nationals. Additionally, she has coached athletes across all disciplines and created and executed all of the lifting programs for sprints, jumps, hurdles, distance and throws at Manchester.

Jachno also has volunteer experience as a track and field coach for underprivileged children in North Manchester and as an assistant coach at Keystone College in Factoryville, Pa. She is certified as a U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Strength and Conditioning Coach and NCAA Strength and Conditioning Coach.

A graduate of Ashland University, Jachno competed for the Eagles as an NCAA DII thrower in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

She takes over for Karen Brandt, who retired after leading both the cross country and track and field teams for the past seven years.