New Zealand Softball Hall of Famer Kere Johanson Tapped as Rebellion Hitting Coach

Published on March 31, 2015 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Pennsylvania Rebellion News Release

Washington, PA-March 30, 2015-The Pennsylvania Rebellion of the National Pro Fastpitch League announced Kere Johanson, the current head coach of the Australian National Team, will be the franchise's hitting coach for the 2015 season. Johanson will reunite with former Australian assistant and current Rebellion pitching coach Karen Marr and work alongside field manager Craig Montvidas.

Johanson brings extensive experience and success as a player and coach to Pennsylvania. The New Zealand native commenced his playing career in the 1970s. He represented the New Zealand Black Sox in four World Championships (1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000), and won two gold and two silver medals. In 2002, Johanson continued his career with the Stirling Central and was with the team when they competed at Australia's national club championships.

He traded in the cleats for the clipboard when he was appointed the head coach of the Western Australian representative team in 2002. In 2004, Johanson was inducted into the Softball New Zealand Hall of Fame. He has served as an assistant coach on several winning teams in Australia; including, the 2003 Bronze Medalists Aussie Pride and the 2004 Australian Olympic Silver Medalists. Additionally, Johanson helped guide the Aussie Steelers to a gold medal in 2009 and a third-place finish in 2011.

In 2012, Johanson landed a head coaching job with the Aussie Spirit and led his team to a bronze medal at the 2012 and 2014 World Championships. Most recently, Johanson's team competed in the 2015 Japan Toyota Series Down Under against the most premier softball athletes in the world; including Chicago Bandits ace Monica Abbott and USSSA Pride infielder Natasha Watley.

The Rebellion opens its 2015 season against the Chicago Bandits at CONSOL Energy Park on Friday, May 29th. For more information on season ticket packages and/or general questions, call the team's front office at 724-250-9555 or visit www.pennsylvaniarebellion.com. You can also find the Rebellion on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PARebellion and follow them on Twitter @PARebellion.

New Zealand Softball Hall of Famer Kere Johanson

New Zealand Softball Hall of Famer Kere Johanson

National Pro Fastpitch Stories from March 31, 2015

• New Zealand Softball Hall of Famer Kere Johanson Tapped as Rebellion Hitting Coach - Pennsylvania Rebellion

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