NASHUA, N.H. – For the first time in ten seasons, there will be a new face leading the Rivier University Baseball program as Louie Bernardini has been elevated to Head Coach of the Raiders. The announcement comes on the heels of former coach Anthony Perry's departure to become the Assistant Athletic Director at Fisher College.
"I know that Louie will do an excellent job in returning to a Head Coaching role." Perry was quoted when asked about Bernardini taking over. "We've worked hand-in-hand over the last two plus seasons and recruiting cycles in building this program. Having him be named the Head Coach is truly a blessing for myself, for Louie and his family and more importantly, the student-athletes."
Bernardini was hired by Perry to become the Associate Head Coach back on February 28, 2018. This will be his second opportunity as the Head Coach of a college program after previously serving as the final Head Coach at Daniel Webster College (2016-2017), before the college closed their doors in May of 2017. He totaled the most amount of wins for a rookie head coach in Eagle history in his first season and helped all of his recruits find new homes once the decision was made. Before DWC, Bernardini spent time as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Long Island University-Brooklyn (2015), Brown University (2014) and NCAA Division III programs at Bates College (2012-13) and Springfield College (2010-11).
"Thank you to Coach Perry for his time and service to the Rivier Baseball program along with the student-athletes and alumni for their support during this change." Bernardini said. "Having their trust from day one will fuel our progress out of the gates. I also need to thank both Joanne Merrill and Kurt Stimeling for the opportunity to lead the program moving forward. Most importantly a huge thank you to my wife and three girls for supporting my career. They are the ones that ride every moment and inspire the leader I strive to be."
A native of Gray, Maine, Bernardini played four years at Wheaton College, a New England Division III school. He was a part of four 30+ win seasons for the Lyons including a program record of 42-10 in 2006. Bernardini won three-straight NEWMAC Championships while in Norton, Mass. and was the NCAA Division III National Runner-Up in 2006. He was also named to two NEIBA All-Star teams and as well as NEWMAC All-Conference, New England All-Regional and National Tournament team honors. During his summers he received accolades including Pitcher of the Year, Gold Glove and was also the starting pitcher vs. the Dominican Republic & Russian Olympic teams as a member of the Saratoga Phillies (2006-07). He was also a part of the Phillies NYCBL Championship squad in 2006. He also received the starting nod against Team USA as a member of the Pittsfield Dukes of the New England Collegiate Baseball League in 2008.
Bernardini graduated from Wheaton in 2009 and then earned a Master of Science in Physical Education from Springfield College in 2011.