A new but familiar face will be taking the reins of the Pottsville Area Crimson Tide softball program for the 2026 season.
The Pottsville Area School Board has officially appointed Jeff Bowers as the next head coach, following the retirement of long-time leader Chuck Rinaldo after 19 years at the helm.
Bowers, a 1994 graduate of Pottsville Area High School and a member of the school’s 1994 District XI Championship baseball team, is no stranger to Crimson Tide softball. Over the years, he has served in several key roles including Varsity Assistant Coach, Head Coach of the district’s junior high program, and leader of the successful Pottsville-based PA Synergy Fastpitch travel organization for the past nine years. Prior to that, he was deeply involved in the Pottsville Girls Softball League, both as a coach and league president.
“I’ve been around the Crimson Tide Softball program since 2018 as both of my daughters were four-year starters for the team,” Bowers said. “Thanks to Coach Rinaldo, I was brought on staff during the 2024 season, and I was able to coach my youngest daughter during her senior year and that is something special.”
Bowers acknowledged the lasting impact Rinaldo has made on the program and the standard he set for its future.
“Coach Rinaldo left big shoes to fill, and his legacy will live on forever,” Bowers said. “His relentless determination to establish a junior high program changed the face of Pottsville softball and will shape the future of the program.”
Looking ahead, Bowers plans to expand player development efforts beyond the regular season.
“We have plans to establish some travel teams comprised solely of Pottsville School District girls and compete during the summer months,” Bowers explained. “Every extra inning you spend on the field only makes you better and I believe that it’s a key to remain competitive and develop girls for the high school level.”
In addition to travel ball opportunities, Bowers wants to focus on skill-building for younger athletes.
“We also plan on conducting youth instructional camps with coaching staff and current varsity players to help develop players,” he added.
Bowers also took time to express his gratitude to district leadership for entrusting him with this new role.
“I would like to thank the Pottsville Area School Board for this opportunity and Dr. Yoder for all she has done for our student athletes, in particular our softball program.”
With a deep personal connection to the program and a vision for its continued growth, Bowers is set to lead the Crimson Tide into a new era of Pottsville softball.