Jacqueline Kestner is in her fourth year at Emory & Henry University and her first as the Assistant Director of Athletics for Operations. She oversees a wide range of vital areas within the athletic department, including Strength and Conditioning programs, Athletic Training, Student-Athlete Success programs, and Sports Information. She also provides leadership and direction for the College’s Cheer and Equestrian programs, ensuring each program is supported for both competitive success and an exceptional Student-Athlete experience.

In her role, Kestner is responsible for Game Day promotions and theme development, creating engaging experiences that connect fans, alumni, and the local community with Wasps Athletics. She also works to cultivate and secure sponsorships, building partnerships that enhance resources for Emory & Henry student-athletes. Additional responsibilities include game operations management, compliance with NCAA and conference regulations, budget oversight, and fostering interdepartmental collaboration to advance the mission of the athletic program.

Prior to her current position, Kestner served as the Director of Student-Athlete Success at Emory & Henry, where she led academic support, life skills programming, and retention initiatives for the College’s student-athletes. Her extensive coaching background spans 10 years, including three seasons at Emory & Henry, four seasons at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, two seasons as a Graduate Assistant at Lincoln Memorial University, and one season at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where she began her collegiate coaching career.

Kestner’s athletic journey began on the hardwood, playing collegiately at Concord University in West Virginia. Following a standout high school career, she became a three-year starter for the Mountain Lions, compiling 853 points, 649 rebounds, 136 steals, and 26 blocks. As a senior, she led the team with 12.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, earning All-Mountain East Conference Second Team honors. She graduated ranked eighth in program history in rebounding and ninth in steals, leaving a lasting legacy as a versatile and dependable player.

A native of Blountville, Tennessee, Kestner is a proud alumna of Sullivan Central High School, where she lettered in basketball, volleyball, and track. On the basketball court, she was a dominant presence, earning All-Big 8 Conference honors all four seasons. Her lifelong dedication to athletics, both as a competitor and a leader, continues to inspire and guide her work in developing the next generation of Emory & Henry student-athletes.