(Colby CC Sports Information) April 18, 2023 -- Colby Community College named Kenny Hernandez as the new athletic director, the college announced. Hernandez fills the position vacated by Mike Saddler, who is leaving to become the commissioner of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference.

"We are extremely excited to have Athletic Director Hernandez join the Colby Community College family," said President Dr. Seth Carter. "Kenny is enthusiastic about advancing the Trojans in the classroom and within their respective sports. He is dedicated to student success and a great fit."

Hernandez came to Colby after four years as the assistant athletic director for communications at Seward County Community College. He was the primary contact with all seven Saints athletic programs for media relations, gameday operations, on-site manager, and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee advisor. In the fall 2022 semester, he was the interim men's and women's tennis coach and guided the women's program to its first Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) singles national championship.

His leadership in the conference was as a voting member in the KJCCC Player of the Week committee for Division I softball, women's basketball, and volleyball.

He was also active in the community as an Ambassador with the Liberal Chamber of Commerce.

The Minneapolis, Minn., native began his new role at Colby on April 17.

"I want to thank the leadership at Colby Community College for this opportunity to lead the athletic department," Hernandez said. "The passion and excitement I have for Colby Community College will shine through my work, attitude, and involvement on campus."

Before his time at Seward, Hernandez was involved with NJCAA athletics for four years as the voice of the Tetons at Williston State College in North Dakota. He also worked at radio stations in his hometown of Minneapolis and owned a mobile DJ service in multiple locations.

Hernandez holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies with a minor in English and a certificate in leadership and public service from Iowa State University. In December, he will graduate with a master's degree in sports management from the University of Kansas.

In his free time, he likes to attend sporting events and read.