Brad Kocher has been a valuable member of Central State University's Athletic Department since October 2022. Before joining CSU, he spent four successful years at Franklin University in Columbus, OH, where he served as the Lead Faculty and Program Chair of Exercise Science and Sport Management. In this role, Kocher was responsible for curriculum design and management, faculty leadership, and teaching within both academic programs. His tenure saw significant growth in student enrollment for both programs, thanks to his efforts in curriculum enhancement. Notably, he revamped the Exercise Science program to better serve students aspiring to enter medical-related fields.
Prior to his time at Franklin University, Kocher held the position of Assistant Director of Athletics at Hillsdale College. During his tenure, he made remarkable contributions by expanding recreational sports, wellness programming, and athletic club sports. Under his leadership, student participation surged by an impressive 600% in just two years. Additionally, intramural sports expanded from four to fifteen programs, while club sports grew from six active teams to twelve. Kocher also served as the Director of Physical Wellness Dynamics, a required course for all students as part of their general education curriculum. His journey at Hillsdale College began as an assistant baseball coach, where he played a pivotal role in elevating the program from 14 wins to 32 and securing Hillsdale's first-ever NCAA Division II Regional bid.
Kocher embarked on his coaching career as the head coach at Spotsylvania High School in Spotsylvania, Virginia. During his six-year tenure, the Spotsylvania Knights achieved an impressive 101-31 record. Kocher received multiple Coach of the Year honors, including four Battlefield District Coach of the Year awards, two Freelance Star Coach of the Year awards, and one Regional Coach of the Year recognition. Under his guidance, the Knights consistently secured district titles throughout his career, solidifying his legacy as the winningest coach in Spotsylvania Baseball History.
Following his time at Spotsylvania, Coach Kocher spent two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. During the 2011 season, he played a key role in leading UMW hitters to the 22nd best batting average in the country, with the Eagles finishing the season atop the Capital Athletic Conference with a .332 average. In the 2010 NCAA Regional campaign, the Eagles also excelled, finishing second in the conference with a .331 batting average.
Today, Brad Kocher resides in Springfield, OH, with his wife Rebecca and their children, Aidan and Addison.
