UPMC Penguins Rinks

Jason Jerome
Director, Sports Performance

Originally from Aurora, IL, Jason earned his Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Miami in 2006.  Early in Jason’s career, he was employed by the University of Miami and responsible for rehabilitating olympic, professional, and collegiate athletes from various sports including football, track and field, and volleyball.  A major highlight of Jason’s time at the “U” was serving as a core training specialist for the track and field program as well as working with numerous alumni from the NFL and MLB.  

A major opportunity fell upon him in 2010 as Jason began serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Athletic Development for IMPACT SPORTS PERFORMANCE, in Boca Raton, FL.  That opportunity provided Jason access to train 1000’s of athletes, be an Athletic Trainer for multiple professional sports organizations, and run the NHL Combine for four years. 

Arriving in Pittsburgh in 2019, Jason has served as the Director of Sports Performance for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program and the Excel Hockey Academy.  The time here in Western PA has been highlighted by contributing to dozens of athletes moving onto the next level in their respective sports and assisting in the creation of an  international presence for the Excel Hockey Academy. Jason is a proud supporting member of the National Athletic Training Association (NATA).

Abrianna Fagan
Coach, Sports Performance

Abrianna is a local Pittsburgh product and was a high level competitive gymnast growing up. She graduated from West Virginia University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology with a Minor in Psychology. During her undergrad, she completed her internship with Penguins Performance Training and was hired on as a part-time Performance Training staff member after graduating. Since then, she has worked her way up to becoming a full time staff member. 

During Abrianna’s tenure with the Penguins organization, she has facilitated top level training with Pens Elite teams, Excel Hockey Academy, and adult clients. “Aubs”, as her athletes know her, trains multiple olympic sports with a specialization in figure skating. She is also the Girls Performance Coordinator for Pens Elite. 

Vinnie Bernazzoli
Coach, Sports Performance

Growing up, Vinnie was a competitive martial arts athlete for close to 12 years, competing in multiple different arts including Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and more. Following college, Vinnie decided to pursue strength and conditioning in an effort to help people better their lives and become the strongest version of themselves possible. He started in private training session and continued on to a commercial gym management position. 

In the time prior to working for Penguins Performance Training, Vinnie worked extensively with youth to adult athletes, retired military, and those who just wanted to improve their fitness. In addition to hockey, he has worked with a vast array of collegiate athletes including softball/baseball, basketball, football, track and field, and swim. Vinnie looks forward to utilizing his expertise to further developing Penguins Performance clients. 

For questions about sports performance programs at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, please contact Jason Jerome at jjerome@pittsburghpenguins.com or 412-255-1896.