KEUKA PARK, N.Y. — The Keuka College Department of Athletics has announced that Jess Wilcox will be the next Head Softball Coach for the Wolves.

Wilcox joins Keuka College following two years as an assistant coach at Buffalo State University.

"I am honored to lead the Keuka College softball program and become part of such a supportive and vibrant community," said Coach Wilcox. "I'm thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead. I'm looking forward to continuing that legacy, building strong relationships, and helping our student-athletes grow both on and off the field."

Coach Wilcox is no stranger to the Empire 8 Conference. She played five seasons at Alfred University from 2017-21 and was one of the top pitchers in Saxons' history. She set career records with 54 wins, 653 strikeouts, and 20 shutouts. She was a three-time All-Empire 8 performer and voted as the conference's Pitcher of the Year in 2021. She was also named Second Team All-American in her final season.

"We're thrilled to welcome Jess to the Keuka College family," said Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Jon Accardi M'09. "She's built an incredible reputation in the Empire 8, both as a standout student-athlete and as an administrator. Jess brings contagious energy and a relentless work ethic that will expand on the softball program's long history of success under Coach Jamie Burke. We're excited for our student-athletes to learn from her and grow under her leadership."

Coach Burke stepped away following 20 seasons at the helm of the softball program. She amassed more than 300 wins for Keuka College while guiding the team to 10 conference titles, seven tournament championships, and seven appearances in the NCAA Tournament, the most of any program at Keuka College.

"I want to thank Jon Accardi and the Keuka College community for allowing me this great opportunity," said Wilcox. "I hope to help build on Coach Burke's legacy. It is an honor to follow in her footsteps, and I can't wait to get started. Go Wolves!"

Coach Wilcox will immediately start on the recruiting trail, working to wrap up this year's class while looking ahead to the Class of 2026. The Wolves will have their fall season in September and October in preparation for opening day in March 2026.