Softball | 8/20/2024 3:26:00 PM
HOUGHTON, NY – Olivia Kincanon has been named head coach of the Houghton University softball program, Director of Athletics Matthew Webb announced on Tuesday, August 20.
Kincanon most recently served as an assistant at NCAA Division II D'Youville College, where she developed and coordinated team practice plans, facilitated the program's defensive training and organized prospect camps. Prior to her stint at D'Youville, Kincanon served as a graduate assistant at DII Mercyhurst University in 2022-23.
Kincanon also serves as catching and hitting instructor at 21 Outs Softball Training in Buffalo.
"I am so pleased to add Coach Kincanon to the Houghton athletic family and in particular to the Houghton softball program. She brings DI playing experience, DII coaching experience, and a strong desire to integrate her faith with her coaching," said Webb. "She will be a natural fit into how and why we do athletics at Houghton. Being a western New York native, she will also bring lots of connections to her recruiting efforts. I know I speak for our staff and student-athletes that we are thrilled for this next chapter of Houghton softball."
A native of Lancaster, NY, Kincanon was a four-year varsity student-athlete at the University of Buffalo, finishing with a .988 fielding percentage as a catcher and ranking third in program history for most home runs in a season (12). Her high school career included a NYS Class AA Section VI Championship at Lancaster where she led the program to a No. 1 state ranking in 2017. She was an ECIC Division I First Team selection, an All-Western New York honoree and was named Fourth Team All-State in 2018.
Kincanon also has a heart for helping student-athletes dealing with mental health issues. She has worked as a speaker and mentor with D&G Wellness Consulting, an organization that helps address and support the mental health and well-being of student-athletes, parents and coaches.
"I can't see myself landing my first head coaching job at a better place than Houghton University. When I came to interview and tour the campus, I immediately felt welcomed and at home," said Kincanon. "I am so excited to be a part of a faith-driven university where they not only focus on the success of their student-athletes on and off the field, but also focus on their Christian journey and how they can continue to grow their relationship with Jesus.
"Playing four years at the University at Buffalo has provided me with so many tools and experiences in the softball world, that I am looking forward to sharing and passing along to my Houghton family. I am so passionate about coaching and absolutely love every aspect of it, and I cannot thank Houghton University enough for providing me with this opportunity."
Kincanon holds a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing and counseling from UB and a master's degree in organizational leadership from Mercyhurst.
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