State High searching for new varsity softball coach after unexpected ouster
State College Area School District is searching for a new varsity softball coach following the unexpected ouster of the team’s head coach less than two months after he was put in the top spot.
Little is known publicly about the departure of former coach Scott Kaminske. Athletic Director Loren Crispell told softball families Monday evening that the change was effective immediately.
“While this transition is unexpected, we thank Scott Kaminske for his dedication to the State High Softball program and wish him the best moving forward,” Crispell said. “Our priority now is to move ahead, identify new coaching leadership, and continue supporting our student-athletes during this time.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to our student-athletes and to ensuring they can continue their successful season. Along those lines, we will begin the process of identifying the best possible staff for the team and keep you updated on developments.”
The message did not make clear who is now leading the team. Vanessa Gordon is listed on the district’s website as Kaminske’s assistant coach.
The State College school board unanimously approved Kaminske’s hiring at its Feb. 16 meeting. He was set to earn a $6,461 salary, but was out of the position after eight games. In their first game without him, the Little Lions lost 15-0 on Tuesday against Central Dauphin.
The district did not directly answer a handful of questions from the Centre Daily Times, including why the change was made. A spokesperson said the district is unable to share details because it is a personnel matter.
Attempts to reach Kaminske on Tuesday and Wednesday were unsuccessful.
He pleaded guilty in August 2024 to misdemeanor counts of DUI and reckless endangerment and was sentenced to 2 1/2 years of probation, which included three months of house arrest.
Penn State police said in an affidavit of probable cause that Kaminske, 47, was speeding and drove past a stop sign in July 2023 on Porter Road. An officer said Kaminske smelled of alcohol and told him he drank two beers at a State College Spikes game he attended with his then 12-year-old daughter.
His blood alcohol level was 0.229%, nearly three times the legal limit for driving.
Centre County Judge Katie Oliver ordered him to complete addiction awareness and parenting programs, attend two support meetings per week and 100 hours of community service. His driver’s license was to be suspended and he was largely prohibited from entering any business that sells alcohol.
The school district did not answer questions from the CDT about whether it was aware of the charges, what background checks are required for coaching staff and whether they were completed in this case.
State High’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday at Altoona.
This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 11:26 AM.