Jocelyn (Hinkle '15) Bernhardt recently completed her sixth season as Grove City College women's water polo coach. The Wolverines have ranked as one of the Collegiate Water Polo Association's top Division III programs in the eastern United States under her tutelage.Â
In 2023, Reese Trauger earned Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) All-America recognition for the third consecutive season. Grove City has produced at least one ACWPC All-American in four of Bernhardt's five seasons as head coach.
Under Bernhardt's guidance in 2020, seniors Elizabeth Andrews and Tessa Leatherwood both earned ACWPC Division III All-America honors. Eight Grove City players merited ACWPC All-Academic distinction.Â
One of the most decorated players in the 20-year history of Grove City women's water polo, Bernhardt started all four seasons for the Wolverines from 2012 to 2015. She earned First Team All-Collegiate Water Polo Association Division III honors during her career and captured Honorable Mention All-America honors as a senior.
She concluded her career by earning the CWPA Division III Scholar-Athlete of the Year award in 2015. Bernhardt graduated as the program's all-time leader with 128 assists. She also ranks second with 237 goals and third with 273 career steals.
She then worked as an assistant coach for the Wolverines during the 2018 season. The College promoted her to head coach in November 2019.
A native of Hazleton, Pa., Bernhardt graduated from the College in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science. She lives in nearby West Middlesex with her husband Jonathan and their four children.
