Cedar Crest College has named Jason Rhine as its new Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Support, Director of Athletics Christy Malone Fleagle announced today.
With Jason’s proven history of transforming teams into successful programs, Fleagle notes that the basketball program is poised for a new era of success.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to the Falcons family,” said Fleagle. “His experience, leadership, and dedication to excellence—both on and off the court—will make a lasting impact on our student-athletes, the basketball program, and the broader Cedar Crest athletics community.”
Rhine has spent nine seasons as a head coach, boasts an overall head coaching record of 146-80, and has guided multiple teams to the playoffs. A three-time Coach of the Year recipient (MAC-Freedom, D3Hoops, and ECAC), he has coached 24 all-conference players, three all-region honorees, and one All-American. Beyond the court, he has mentored 83 student-athletes to scholar-athlete honors while improving team GPAs at every stop.
“I am honored to join the Cedar Crest community and excited to build a basketball program that will make the campus and community proud,” Rhine said. “Success is about more than just wins—it’s about developing character, pushing limits, and preparing student-athletes for life beyond basketball.”
Most recently, Rhine led Keystone College to one of the best turnarounds in the region. After inheriting a team with only three returning players, he quickly revitalized the program. In just his second season, he recruited 13 newcomers, led the team to a 16-win season, and secured a United East Conference playoff appearance. His team also earned a WBCA Academic Top 25 Honorable Mention, demonstrating his commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.
Before Keystone, Rhine spent seven seasons at Misericordia University, where he orchestrated one of the nation’s most impressive program rebuilds. Taking over a team that had gone 17-57 in the three years prior to his arrival, Rhine led the Cougars to a 60-26 record in his first three seasons. Under his leadership, Misericordia reached six conference semifinals, one championship game, and received the program’s first-ever Top 25 poll votes. His teams were recognized on the WBCA Academic Top 25 Honor Roll every year, and he remains the program’s all-time wins leader (119).
Rhine’s success began early in his coaching career, contributing as assistant coach to winning seasons at California University of Pennsylvania, Washington & Jefferson College, and Aurora University. At Cal U, his recruiting efforts helped lay the foundation for a 2014-15 NCAA Division II National Championship team.
Rhine holds a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Keystone College and a master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania. He also serves as a conference chair for the WBCA.
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