INDIANA, Pa. – Kernell Borneo, former Mountain East Conference Coach of the Year, has been named the next head coach of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania women's soccer program. 
 
Borneo becomes the sixth head coach in program history, previously spending the past five fall seasons leading the Fairmont State University women's soccer team.
 
During his tenure with the Falcons, Borneo compiled a 56-31-14 overall record, including a 46-23-10 mark in the MEC, making him the winningest coach in program history. He won two conference championships in 2022 and 2025, also claiming a North Division title this past fall.
 
The 2025 season marked the most successful year of Borneo's career. Fairmont State finished 17-2-3 on its way to a North Division and MEC championship. He was named MEC Coach of the Year, while one of his senior defenders earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.
 
"We are excited to welcome Kernell Borneo as the next leader of our women's soccer program," director of athletics Todd Garzarelli said. "Coach Borneo's track record for success, both on and off the playing surface over the past 20 years, speaks for itself. His ability to build championship programs, develop players and provide a great student-athlete experience really came through during the search process."
 
Borneo said he is excited to join the IUP community and build on the program's foundation.
"I am honored to join IUP and be a part of a great university and athletic staff," Borneo said. "I am grateful to Todd Garzarelli for his belief in me. We are aligned in our commitment to excellence both on and off the field. I believe in developing our student-athletes not only into the best players they can be, but also into strong leaders."
 
Borneo's teams set multiple program records at Fairmont State, including most consecutive shutouts, longest unbeaten streak, fewest goals allowed in conference play and most goals scored nationally in Division II during the 2025 season. He coached two All-Americans, six all-region selections and 18 all-conference players, along with one all-freshman honoree in each of his five seasons.
 
Academically, Borneo's teams also excelled, producing 70 Academic All-Conference selections, 35 NCAA Division II ADA Academic Award recipients and the program's first Academic All-American in 2025. His squads posted a team GPA of 3.5 or higher in all five seasons, including a 3.7 GPA during the fall of 2025.
 
Borneo is United States Soccer Federation (USSF) certified and holds an advanced national diploma. He brings more than 20 years of travel soccer coaching experience, with over 35 state championships and three regional finals appearances. He has also coached four Gatorade Players of the Year.
 
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Borneo played collegiately at Missouri Baptist University and West Virginia University. Having spent more than two decades in West Virginia, Borneo said he is thankful for his time at Fairmont State and looks forward to recruiting throughout Pennsylvania and the surrounding region as he takes over the Crimson Hawks program.
 
About IUP
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. As IUP celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025 and through the Impact 150 comprehensive campaign, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking to its next 150 years of student success, innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.