Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Senior defender Bridget Curtis (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South) of the Kutztown University women's soccer team earned her second straight All-America honor as United Soccer Coaches announced its 2024 NCAA Division II All-America teams Thursday, Dec. 12. Curtis was named to the Second Team following First Team recognition following the 2023 season. Among the 37 student-athletes selected to this year's teams, Curtis joins an elite group of five with multiple All-America honors. The Warrington, Pa., native joins three-time selection Reese McDermott from Colorado School of Mines and fellow two-time selections Teani Arakawa of Hawaii-Hilo, Emma Beddow of Columbus State and Aino Martikainen of Franklin Pierce. Curtis captained a defensive unit that registered nine shutouts this fall. She also chipped in three goals and two assists as Kutztown compiled a 12-5-6 record, finished as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) runner-up and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II Championship. In 83 career games (82 starts), Curtis posted nine goals and three assists for 21 points while helping the Golden Bears reach the NCAA tournament in each of her four seasons. In addition to her two USC All-America honors, Curtis is a three-time All-Atlantic Region pick by both USC and D2CCA and a four-time All-PSAC East First Team member. She was also the 2023 PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year, a two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree and a 2023 CSC Academic All-America Third Team selection. Curtis' All-America honor is the 14th in program history and she becomes just the third multi-time All-American from KU along with Maddie Mohr and Kayla Argen.

Bridget Curtis (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South), Dana Wentz (Leola, Pa./Conestoga Valley) and Caroline McDonald (Exton, Pa./Downingtown East) of the Kutztown University women's soccer team have earned the distinction of All-Atlantic Region by the United Soccer Coaches (USC). The trio have all been here before, as it is the third time Curtis was named All-Region by the USC and second time for both Wentz and McDonald. Curtis is on the First Team, while Wentz and McDonald are on the Second Team. Curtis concluded a decorated career in Maroon and Gold as she was also tabbed to the All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Division First Team and was a Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-Atlantic Region First Teamer. She was a four-year starter for KU, starting every game of her career while leading a defensive unit that recorded nine shutouts on the season while contributing three goals and two assists in 2024. Her contributions were vital in a pair of victories over Charleston (W. Va.), scoring a goal in their early season victory at Keystone Field while sending in the game-winning tally to defeat the Golden Eagles in the First Round of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship. Wentz was also a Second Team All-PSAC performer this season. The outside defender started all 23 games this season and started in 84 of her 85 games played in her career. Wentz scored her first career goal in a 3-1 victory over West Chester on Oct. 2. She is a three-time All-PSAC East performer. McDonald, on the USC All-Region Second Team for the second straight season, also earned First Team All-PSAC recognition in 2024 and has been All-PSAC in all three of her seasons in Maroon and Gold. She played in all 23 games this season, making 21 starts as a forward. McDonald finished with five goals and three assists for 13 points. Her 17 career assists ranks sixth all-time in program history. The Golden Bears capped off their season with a 12-5-6 record that included a pair of upset victories in the PSAC Championships and a 2-1 win over Charleston in the First Round of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship.

Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Freddie Retter (Quakertown, Pa./Quakertown) was voted as the Super Region 1 Defensive Player of the Year and five Kutztown University football players claimed all-region accolades as the Division II Conference Commissioner's Association (D2CCA) released its 2024 all-region teams. Retter and offensive lineman Adam Kase (Wernersville, Pa./Conrad Weiser) were First Team selections for the PSAC champion Golden Bears, while linebacker Jalen DeVose (Lansdale, Pa./La Salle College H.S.), defensive lineman Brayden Pohlman (Egg Harbor Township, N.J./Mainland Regional) and offensive lineman Ryan Schernecke (Hatboro, Pa./Upper Moreland) earned Second Team spots. Retter, a defensive tackle from Quakertown, Pa., set new career-highs with 22 solo tackles, 13 tackles for loss (TFL), 7.5 sacks, 2 fumbles forced, 2 fumbles recovered and 3 blocked kicks. The 2024 PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year and All-PSAC East First Team pick led the PSAC in blocked kicks while ranking top five in fumbles recovered and sacks per game (0.68). He ranked within the top 25 in NCAA Division II in all three categories. As a team, Kutztown had one of its best defensive seasons in program history. The Maroon and Gold (11-1) led the PSAC and ranked top 10 in DII in scoring defense (10.2 ppg), rushing defense (68.4 ypg), total defense (234.0 ypg), turnovers gained (26), turnover margin (1.33) and sacks per game (3.33). Kase, KU's starting right guard, and Schernecke, the starting right tackle, were instrumental in protecting quarterback Judd Novak (Manheim, Pa./Manheim Central) and helping Kutztown average 30.0 points per game and better than 163 rushing yards per game. Both Kase, a Wernersville, Pa., native and 2023 D2CCA All-SR1 Second Team selection, and Schernecke, from Hatboro, Pa., started all 12 games this fall and were named All-PSAC East First Team. The Golden Bears allowed the second-fewest sacks in the PSAC and 15th fewest in DII at 0.92 per game. KU's scoring offense was second-best in the PSAC and its rushing offense was third in the conference. DeVose had another strong season in 2024 after a breakout 2023 that saw Kutztown advance to the NCAA DII semifinals. The graduate student from Lansdale, Pa., made 57 tackles (26 solo) to finish one shy of his career-high, produced a career-high 7 TFL (0.5 sacks), recovered a pair of fumbles and returned an interception for a touchdown in a victory at Millersville Nov. 2. DeVose also earned All-PSAC East First Team honors. Pohlman joined DeVose by backing up his 2023 breakout season. The Egg Harbor Township, N.J., native set new career-highs with 30 tackles (13 solo) and 8 TFL while matching a career-high with 5.0 sacks. Pohlman, a redshirt senior defensive tackle, ranked tied for second on the team in sacks and third in TFL. Kutztown's five D2CCA All-Region selections are its most in a single season. The Golden Bears previously had four players honored in both 2010 and 2011.

Kutztown University women's soccer senior defender Bridget Curtis (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South) was named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-Atlantic Region First Team. It is the third time that Curtis has been named to the All-Atlantic Region First Team, earning the honor for the second straight season after a stellar year leading Kutztown's back line. The Warrington, Pa., native adds this honor to her First Team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Division nod she earned earlier in November. This comes after she earned United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American and the PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year in 2022. The upperclassman is a four-year starter for Erik Burstein's squad, starting every game for the Golden Bears while leading a defensive unit that recorded nine shutouts on the season while contributing three goals and two assists in 2024. Her contributions were vital in a pair of victories over Charleston (W. Va.), scoring a goal in their early season victory at Keystone Field while sending in the game-winning tally to defeat the Golden Eagles in the First Round of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship. Curtis and the Golden Bears capped off their season with a 12-5-6 record that included a pair of upset victories in the PSAC Championships and a 2-1 win over Charleston in the First Round of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship.

Six members of the Kutztown University women's soccer team have been named to the 2024 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team. Among the Golden Bears honored are senior defender Bridget Curtis (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South), sophomore midfielder Katelyn Economopoulos (Grantville, Pa./Lower Dauphin), junior forward Caroline McDonald (Exton, Pa./Downingtown East), graduate midfielder Taylor Rapel (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg), senior midfielder Isabella Rossetti (Cherry Hill, N.J./Cherry Hill East) and senior defender Dana Wentz (Leola, Pa./Conestoga Valley). The CSC Academic All-District teams recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. To be eligible for Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must have reached sophomore status academically and athletically and hold a 3.50 or greater cumulative grade point average. On the field, nominees must compete in 90% of their team's games or be a starter in at least 66% of their team's games. Curtis, from Warrington, Pa., is a repeat CSC Academic All-District selection from 2023. She also went on to earn Academic All-America Third Team honors last year. Curtis is a leader on the back line for the Maroon and Gold, helping KU to eight shutouts in 2024. A business administration (marketing) major with a 3.79 GPA, Curtis is a four-time All-PSAC East First Team, two-time United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region and 2023 United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team pick. Academically, Curtis is a three-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete. Economopoulos recently captured her second All-PSAC East honor in as many seasons. The 2023 PSAC East Freshman of the Year has produced nine points (2 goals, 5 assists) for a Kutztown team which qualified for the NCAA Division II Championship tournament for the fourth year in a row. The Grantville, Pa., native claimed United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region First Team and All-America Second Team honors as a freshman. Economopoulos is majoring in business administration (finance) with a 3.97 GPA. McDonald appears on the CSC Academic All-District team for a second consecutive season. The business administration (finance) major from Exton, Pa., holds a 3.95 GPA. McDonald is a two-time All-PSAC East First Team selection and three-time all-conference pick overall. She also earned United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region Second Team honors last year. This year, McDonald has totaled nine points (3 goals, 3 assists). Rapel, from Phillipsburg, N.J., is also a repeat selection to the CSC Academic All-District team. The business administration (marketing) major recently received her first All-PSAC East First Team nod and is a three-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete. Rapel holds a 3.68 GPA. Rossetti is one of the top goal scorers on this year's team with eight goals and 16 points. The native of Cherry Hill, N.J., is a two-time All-PSAC East honoree, including a spot on the Second Team this fall. Rossetti is majoring in biology (allied health) with a 3.59 GPA and is a four-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete. Wentz is KU's fourth Academic All-District repeat selection. The defender from Lancaster, Pa., is a three-time All-PSAC East selection, including First Team honors in 2023. Wentz was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region Second Team last year and is a four-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete. She is a public relations major with a 3.97 GPA. Based on their academic and athletic achievements, the trio of Curtis, Economopoulos and Wentz were selected as finalists for Academic All-America honors by CSC. The national ballot will be voted on by CSC members and Academic All-America teams will be announced Dec. 11.

Jim Clements was voted the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's East Division Coach of the Year and Freddie Retter (Quakertown, Pa./Quakertown) earned East Defensive Athlete of the Year recognition to lead the PSAC champion Kutztown football team on All-PSAC teams, as voted on by the league's head coaches and announced Wednesday, Nov. 20. KU tied a program record with 15 All-PSAC selections. It is the fifth coach of the year award for Clements, who was also named the AFCA Division II Region I Coach of the Year on Tuesday. It is the first major award for Retter, who gave the Golden Bears (11-0 overall) two Defensive Athletes of the Year in the last two seasons, joining Tyler Whary (Hereford, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) from 2023. There were nine All-PSAC East First Team selections, including offensive linemen Ryan Schernecke (Hatboro, Pa./Upper Moreland), Billy Everitt (Abington, Pa./Abington) and Adam Kase (Wernersville, Pa./Conrad Weiser), defensive linemen Brayden Pohlman (Egg Harbor Township, N.J./Mainland Regional), Retter and Masen Wilson (Smyrna, Del./Smyrna), linebackers Jalen DeVose (Lansdale, Pa./La Salle College H.S.) and Eden Johnson (Philadelphia, Pa./Governor Mifflin) and defensive back Drew Hensor (Fairless Hills, Pa./Pennsbury). The six selections on Second Team included quarterback Judd Novak (Manheim, Pa./Manheim Central), running back Jaedyn Stewart (Newfield, N.J./Delsea Regional), offensive linemen Trey Quinones (York, Pa./William Penn) and Andrew Stackhouse (Bethlehem, Pa./Notre Dame Green Pond), wide receiver Kurtis Ravenel Jr. (Carlisle, Pa./Carlisle), and defensive back Khi'on Smith (Deptford, N.J./Deptford Township). Clements has led Kutztown to the first unbeaten regular season in the program's modern era, Kutztown has achieved its highest national ranking in the AFCA Division II Poll with its current No. 3 rank, won a school record and Division II-best 20 consecutive regular season games (dating back to 2023) and captured a second straight PSAC championship. The winningest coach in program history, Clements is 10 wins shy of 100 in his KU career (90-28, .763) and boasts a 60-11 (.845) record in PSAC East games after his team went a perfect 7-0 this fall for its fourth unbeaten run through the division and PSAC East crown in the last five seasons. Schernecke is All-PSAC for the first time in his career. He has started all 11 games this season at tackle. Schernecke is one of the anchors on the line that has helped pave the way for a Maroon and Gold rushing attack that ranks fourth in the conference in rushing yards per game (157.1), second in total yards (1,728) and second in scoring (30.5 points per game). Everitt is a two-time All-PSAC performer, his first time on the First Team. He has started all 11 games at guard. Everitt is one of the anchors on the line that has helped pave the way for a Maroon and Gold rushing attack that ranks fourth in the conference in rushing yards per game (157.1), second in total yards (1,728) and second in scoring (30.5 points per game). Kase has now earned back-to-back All-PSAC First Team honors. He has started all 11 games at guard. Kase is one of the anchors on the line that has helped pave the way for a Maroon and Gold rushing attack that ranks fourth in the conference in rushing yards per game (157.1), second in total yards (1,728) and second in scoring (30.5 points per game). Pohlman is All-Conference for the first time in his career. Through 10 games this season, he has accumulated career-highs in 27 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks. Retter is a first-time honoree on the All-PSAC team. In 10 games this season, he has 42 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and fumble recoveries, two passes defended and two blocked kicks, along with scoring his first career touchdown on a fumble recovery in the season opener against Assumption. Retter also earned the PSAC's Champion Scholar. In 11 games at defensive end, Wilson achieved All-Conference for the first time in his career. He has had a career best year, totaling 25 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and three passes defended. DeVose is a first-time All-PSAC performer. So far this season, starting all 11 games at linebacker, DeVose has tallied 50 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 0.5 sack, two interceptions, including a pick-six, two passes defended and two fumble recoveries. Johnson was voted All-Conference for the first time in his career. In 11 games as a linebacker this season, he has recorded 54 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and six passes defended. Hensor is another first-timer on the All-PSAC teams. The defensive back, who has started all 11 games, has tallied 32 tackles, three tackles for loss, 0.5 sack, three interceptions and six passes defended. Novak, the reigning PSAC East Freshman of the Year, is now a two-time All-PSAC performer. He has completed 146 passes for 1,925 yards and 20 touchdowns. On the ground, Novak has added 76 carries for 354 yards and three scores. Stewart, the PSAC championship game MVP, earned postseason accolades for the first time in his career. In 10 games played at running back this season, he has rushed 102 times for 544 yards and five TDs. Stewart also has caught seven passes for 59 yards and a score. Quinones is on All-PSAC for the first time. He has started all 11 games as the center. Quinones is one of the anchors on the line that has helped pave the way for a Maroon and Gold rushing attack that ranks fourth in the conference in rushing yards per game (157.1), second in total yards (1,728) and second in scoring (30.5 points per game). Stackhouse is a first-time All-Conference performer. He has started in 10 games at tackle. Stackhouse is one of the anchors on the line that has helped pave the way for a Maroon and Gold rushing attack that ranks fourth in the conference in rushing yards per game (157.1), second in total yards (1,728) and second in scoring (30.5 points per game). Ravenel Jr. is now a two-time, All-PSAC First Teamer. He has started all seven games he's played in this season at wide receiver. Ravenel Jr. has caught 34 passes for 418 yards and tied a career-high with five touchdowns. Smith is All-PSAC for the first time. He has started all 11 games as a defensive back. Smith has tallied 21 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, a fumble recovery and five pass breakups. Kutztown hosts the winner of Slippery Rock/New Haven in an NCAA Second Round game next Saturday, Nov. 30, at Andre Reed Stadium.

Five members of third-ranked Kutztown University field hockey were voted to 2024 All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference teams, as voted on by the league's head coaches and announced Monday, Nov. 11. Juliana Donato (Cedarville, N.J./Schalick) and Sarah Gatehouse (Sinking Spring, Pa./Wilson) earned First-Team honors, Erin Gonzalez (East Earl, Pa./Garden Spot) and Danielle Panati (West Chester, Pa./Unionville) were tabbed to the Second Team and Grace Harrold (York, Pa./Central York) was recognized on the Third Team. All five are repeat All-PSAC selections. Donato, a two-time First Teamer and a Third Teamer in 2022, has started all 19 games this season in the midfield. She has scored a career-best four goals and added five assists. Donato's 29 career assists ranks third all-time in program history. Gatehouse found her name on the All-PSAC First Team for the third consecutive season. The graduate student defender has recorded six goals and five assists so far this season and started all 19 games at the center of a KU defense that has seven shutouts this season. Gonzalez, a Third Teamer last season, leads KU with 11 goals and has started 18-of-19 games played this season as a forward. She ranks seventh in the conference in scoring and has added a career-best five assists. Panati, voted to the All-PSAC Third Team last season, has started all 19 games this season as a defender. She is a captain and leader of a defensive unit that has recorded seven shutouts so far this season. Panati also has three defensive saves. Harrold is a two-time Third Teamer, earning All-PSAC honors last season. She has started in all 19 games this season and has tallied one goal and a career-high five assists.

Kutztown University has announced 14 student-athletes will represent its men's basketball team for the 2024-2025 season. Read the full season preview online. The Kutztown University men's basketball team hopes that returning players, incoming transfers and a more aggressive attack can put the Golden Bears back in the upper echelon of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Division in the 2024-25 season. The Golden Bears are looking to outperform preseason expectations. Kutztown was tabbed as the sixth-best team in the East Division preseason poll. Kutztown will open its season at the PSAC/CIAA Challenge Nov. 9-10, at East Stroudsburg. The Golden Bears will play Lincoln on Saturday at 5 p.m., followed by a 4 p.m. tip against Elizabeth City State on Sunday. The home opener is set for Wednesday, Nov. 13, against Jefferson at 7:30 p.m.

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced their women's soccer All-Conference Team members for the 2024 season Thursday, Nov. 14, and the Kutztown University squad is well represented with six honorees representing the Golden Bears across both East Division teams. Kutztown features a First-Team All-PSAC East Division honoree at each level of the field, with forward Caroline McDonald (Exton, Pa./Downingtown East), midfielder Taylor Rapel (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) and defender Bridget Curtis (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South) all being recognized among the 13 best players in the division. McDonald has appeared in all 19 games for the Golden Bears, starting 17 on the front line - the most of any Kutztown forward this season. She has been a punishing presence for KU, taking a team-high 29 shots on goal this season while recording 9 points across five games, including a two-goal game in the win at Mansfield in early October. The Exton, Pa., native makes her third straight appearance on the All-PSAC Team, earning First Team recognition for the second straight season. Rapel makes her first All-PSAC Team after a strong fourth season in a primarily defensive midfield role. She is one of four Golden Bears to start all 19 games, and she helped pace a potent midfield that controlled a majority of the action throughout the season. Curtis anchored the Golden Bears defense in her senior season, with her play earning her a fourth straight All-PSAC East First team honor, the third KU student-athlete to accomplish the feat after Kim Kelty (2004-07) and Chelsea Deeter (2007-10). The Warrington, Pa., native has dominated the back line, regularly making game-saving plays while striking fear into any opposing attacker. She tallied a pair of goals and an assist for Kutztown in a year where she started every contest for the second straight season. The second team features another trio of Golden Bear student-athletes, with forward Isabella Rossetti (Cherry Hill, N.J./Cherry Hill East), midfielder Katelyn Economopoulos (Grantville, Pa./Lower Dauphin) and defender Dana Wentz (Leola, Pa./Conestoga Valley) recognized as Second Team All-PSAC East Division players for their performance this season. Rossetti makes her second appearance on the All-PSAC First Team after a stellar fourth year on the attacking side. She led the team in goals (8) and points (16) while converting on a third of her 24 shots on frame. The Cherry Hill, N.J., native's performance was pivotal against Lock Haven this year, as she scored all four tallies in 2-0 wins at Keystone Field in mid-September and at Lock Haven in mid-October. Economopoulos follows up her PSAC East Freshman of the Year season with a second consecutive All-PSAC Team appearance that featured her in 17 games on the year. The attacking midfielder assisted on a team-high five goals while being one of the primary corner takers for a team that was top five in the nation in that category. Wentz earns her third All-PSAC Team recognition after another season as a key cog on the defensive line for the Maroon and Gold. The Leola, Pa., native patrolled the outside line for the Golden Bears, starting all 19 games for one of the strongest defensive units in the conference. Similar to Curtis, the presence of Wentz on the back line often forces opposing players to think about a different route to the goal to avoid the increased difficulty of facing the graduate student.

Kutztown University has announced 28 student-athletes will represent its wrestling team for the 2024-2025 season. Read the full season preview online. The 11th-ranked Kutztown University wrestling team heads into the season with a tremendous amount of momentum behind them as they open the 2024-25 season this weekend. The Golden Bears finished last season with a 5-2 dual record, finishing third in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference while earning a first-place finish at the Fairmont State Invitational. KU came in third at the NCAA Super Region I Championships with 113.5 points, headlined by a 184-pound title from Matthew Weinberg. Their mark last year, as well as their returning squad, earned them an 11th-place ranking in the National Wrestling Coaches Association poll Monday, Oct. 28, tied with the 2021-22 squad for the highest preseason ranking in program history. The Golden Bears open the season at the 57th ESU Open Sunday, Nov. 3, at East Stroudsburg's Koehler Fieldhouse. They host their first dual of the season against Felician on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at Keystone Arena.

Kutztown University has announced 14 student-athletes will represent its women's basketball team for the 2024-2025 season. Read the full season preview online. Kutztown women's basketball enters the 2024-25 regular season with some new and old faces, but the talent up-and-down the roster is evident. The Golden Bears finished the 2023-24 season with a 15-15 overall record and 12-10 mark in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, earning the three seed in the PSAC Tournament. They won a postseason game for the third straight season, defeating Mansfield in the First Round. KU was tabbed third in the PSAC East preseason poll. Kutztown's 2024-25 regular season campaign opens this weekend at the D2 CCA Tipoff Classic at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. KU first takes on Adams State on Friday, Nov. 1, at 12 p.m., and then plays Lubbock Christian on Saturday at noon.

Kutztown University has announced 17 student-athletes will represent its women's bowling team for the 2024-2025 season. The Kutztown University women's bowling team enters the 2024-25 season with high expectations as one of the front runners in the East Coast Conference, and their growth over the past several years signifies another big step forward is set to take place this upcoming season. Read the full season preview here. After finishing last season with a 58-33 mark and just one match outside of championship Sunday at the conference's postseason tournament, the Maroon and Gold are among the favorites for the ECC crown and the conference's automatic NCAA Championship qualifier. Their odds are boosted even further with the departure of back-to-back conference champion Mercyhurst to the Division I ranks. According to the ECC coaches, the Golden Bears are slotted in as the second-best squad, earning 66 points and garnering a first-place vote in the ECC Preseason Polls. The Golden Bears open their 11-tournament regular season slate at the Mercyhurst Invitational, hosted by Division I newcomer Mercyhurst, now a member of the Northeast Conference. Kutztown will host its home tournament, the Golden Bear Invite, at Berks Lanes in Sinking Spring, Pa., on Oct. 19-20.

Kutztown University has announced seven student-athletes will represent its men's swimming team for the 2024-2025 season. Read the full season preview online. After a 15-year hiatus, the Kutztown University men's swim team makes its long-awaited return in 2024-25. The Golden Bears last competed as a varsity program in 2008-09 and will take the first steps in rebuilding towards their past success. Kutztown's roster this season is comprised of seven swimmers, all underclassmen. Dual wins will be difficult to come by with limited numbers against larger established rosters but improving times throughout the season and achieving PSAC qualifying cuts will be tangible goals for the Golden Bears to shoot for.

Kutztown University has announced 21 student-athletes will represent its women's swimming team for the 2024-2025 season. Read the full season preview online. The Kutztown women's swim team is more motivated than ever heading into the 2024-25 regular season. With the reemergence of the men's swim program, there is a new sense of excitement and energy inside Keystone Natatorium as the new season begins this week. The Golden Bears open their campaign with the first meet of the season, a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference dual meet at Shippensburg Wednesday evening, Sept. 25. Following the meet with the Raiders, Kutztown will compete in the PSAC Fall Invite with several other conference teams Friday, Oct. 11. The home opener is set for Saturday, Oct. 26, against East Stroudsburg.

Kutztown University has announced 110 student-athletes will represent its football team for the 2024 season. Read the full season preview here. The anticipation is over for 10th-ranked Kutztown University football as the 2024 regular season is here. On the heels of the most successful season in program history last year, KU still wants to, and can, accomplish more in 2024. The Golden Bears are coming off a historic season in which they won a program-record 12 consecutive games on their way to Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East, PSAC and Super Region I titles. Kutztown advanced to the NCAA DII semifinals for the first time in program history before falling to top-ranked and eventual national runner-up Colorado School of Mines to finish the 2023 season with a 12-3 record. The Golden Bears open their 2024 campaign with a Thursday night matchup against Assumption at Andre Reed Stadium at 7:30 p.m., on Sept. 5.

Kutztown University has announced 13 student-athletes will represent its men's cross country team for the 2024 season. Read the full season preview here. Kutztown University men's cross country is excited for another season and will look to keep the momentum going in 2024. The Golden Bears had their best finish at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship meet since the 2019 season, placing sixth out of 16 teams. The majority of the lineup is back this season, including eight of the nine runners at PSACs. Head coach Ray Hoffman noted that two of those competitors will be redshirting, but the roster is still strong with experience and talent. Kutztown has four meets during the regular season again this year, including the annual home meet at North Campus Course on Friday, Sept. 13, at 5:45 p.m. KU begins its campaign on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the West Liberty Invitational at 4 p.m. PSAC Championships are set for Saturday, Oct. 26, from North Campus Course.

Kutztown University has announced 14 student-athletes will represent its women's cross country team for the 2024 season. Read the full season preview here. The Kutztown University women's cross country team is ready to begin a brand new season in 2024 with plenty of experience leading the charge. The Golden Bears feature half of their roster (seven of the 14) upperclassmen. Five of the eight competitors at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship meet in 2023 are back in the lineup. The Golden Bears are ranked eighth in the Atlantic Region in the USTFCCCA preseason regional rankings. Kutztown has four meets during the regular season, including the annual home meet at North Campus Course on Friday, Sept. 13, at 5:45 p.m. KU begins its campaign Thursday, Sept. 5, at the West Liberty Invitational at 4 p.m. PSAC Championships are set for Saturday, Oct. 26, from North Campus Course.

Kutztown University will have 26 student-athletes representing its field hockey program for the 2024 season. Read the full season preview online The 2024 season for Kutztown University field hockey is just around the corner and it is one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory. For the first time in program history, KU will be looking to defend its title and repeat as national champions, entering the season as the top-ranked team in Division II. Last November, the Golden Bears won the NCAA Division II national championship, bringing home KU's first team national title. Head coach Marci Scheuing, who led the Maroon and Gold to their best season in program history in 2023, finishing 19-3 overall (program record for wins in a season) and 7-2 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, will have a great opportunity to repeat as the 2024 squad brings back a majority of the top contributors from a year ago. The title defense for KU begins Thursday, Sept. 5, with a home game against Saint Anselm at 3 p.m., from Andre Reed Stadium. Two days later the Golden Bears play in the two-day Saint Michael's Tournament in Colchester, Vt., with a game against the host Purple Knights Saturday at 11 a.m., followed by a match with Southern Connecticut State on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Kutztown University will have 22 student-athletes representing its women's volleyball program for the 2024 season. Read the full season preview online After finishing last season just two wins shy of the postseason, Kutztown women's volleyball will rely on their youth and depth to get them back into postseason competition in 2024. Kutztown begins the season at home, hosting a non-conference match against Felician on Friday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. at Keystone Arena. They open conference play at East Stroudsburg on Friday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. at Koehler Fieldhouse.

Kutztown University men's tennis was announced as a 2024 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Academic Team for the third year in-a-row and nine student-athletes collected ITA Scholar-Athlete honors. The nine Golden Bears include Sebastian Arizpe, Gonzalo Barcelo, Lucas Cherniak, Neal Devkaren, Justin Gincauskas, Ethan Moyer, Dang Nguyen, Emmitt Robinson and Henrique Rocha. Student-athletes must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year to be considered for the ITA Scholar-Athlete award. To be named an ITA All-Academic Team, programs must have a team grade point average of 3.2 or above. In 2024, 543 Division II Men's student-athletes were named an ITA Scholar-Athlete, and 78 men's tennis programs were awarded the All-Academic Team distinction.

Kutztown University will have 35 student-athletes representing its women's soccer program for the 2024 season. Read the full season preview online The Kutztown University women's soccer team looks to eclipse last season's success in 2024 after showing their strength at both the conference and regional levels of play. For the Golden Bears, greater success means winning championships, and they were one step from reaching that a season ago. Last year's squad ended the season with a 15-2-5 overall record, including an undefeated regular season, while their 12-0-4 record in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference was their first undefeated conference season in program history. Kutztown defeated teams in PSAC (Bloomsburg) and NCAA Regional (Concord) postseason competition, but they fell in the second rounds to Gannon (PSAC) and West Chester (NCAA Regionals) to finish their season. Kutztown faces a challenge at the top of the PSAC, as conference rivals West Chester and Gannon advanced further than Kutztown in NCAA Regional play. The PSAC Preseason Poll gave the Golden Bears three of the possible nine first-place votes in the East Division. West Chester was voted first in the division and received five first-place votes, while Gannon was tabbed as the top team in the West and received six out of eight first-place votes. The Golden Bears open their slate at home, hosting 2023 NCAA Regional qualifier, Concord, noon Thursday, Sept. 5, Keystone Field. KU will then take on No. 20 Charleston 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, Keystone Field.

Four members of the Kutztown University women's tennis team were named 2024 Division II Women's Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar Athletes. Mallory Barndt, Alexis Bundra, Sarah Lazarchak and Caroline Novak were the four Golden Bears that earned the honor. Student-athletes must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year to be considered for the ITA Scholar-Athlete award. In 2024, 759 Division II women's student-athletes were named an ITA Scholar-Athlete.

Sarah Gatehouse continues to add on to her legacy with Kutztown University field hockey as she was named a First Team College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American. The Sinking Spring native becomes the first Golden Bear field hockey student-athlete to earn Academic All-American status since Mackenzie Fuhrman in 2018-19. She is also just the second First Teamer in program history, joining Laura Kline from 2005-06. Gatehouse achieved All-America recognition after being named CSC Academic All-District back on July 1. She had a perfect 4.0 GPA and graduated summa cum laude with her undergraduate degree in sport management in December. She is pursuing her Master of Business Administration. Gatehouse is a two-time First Team All-America selection for the Golden Bears and helped lead them to the school's first-ever national championship in 2023. She was voted the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Defensive Athlete of the Year, along with being named to the All-PSAC First Team for the second-straight season. She was the backbone of a KU defense that finished first in the nation in goals allowed (11) and goals against average (.497), starting all 22 games at center back. She ranked second on KU in points (19) and assists (5) and was fourth in goals scored (7). Gatehouse also received the PSAC Champion Scholar, NCAA Elite 90 award, was named to the PSAC Fall Top-10 list and was a National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) National Scholar of Distinction and a part of the National Academic Squad. Gatehouse's dual excellence in athletics and academics embodies the spirit of determination, leadership and scholarly achievement, making her a true role model for student-athletes everywhere.

Graduate student pole vaulter Joe Jardine of the Kutztown University men's track and field team added onto his collection of postseason accolades Wednesday, July 10, as he was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Third Team. This spring, Jardine competed in his first NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, earning All-America status with a 12th-place finish in the pole vault. He was a PSAC outdoor champion in both the pole vault and long jump, while being tabbed the Most Outstanding Field Athlete at PSACs. He ranks third in program history in the outdoor pole vault (16-10.75) and is fourth in the long jump (24-1.5). In the classroom, Jardine held a 3.89 GPA in grad school, studying data analytics and also earned a 3.75 GPA as an undergrad at the University of Kentucky. In order to be named to the Academic All-America team, a student-athlete must be at least a sophomore in athletic and academic standing, must own a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50, must rank in the top 50 regionally in at least one event and should be at least an All-Region caliber performer. The Academic All-America team is nominated for and voted on by the nation's athletic communication professionals.

The Kutztown University athletic department's banner year in the athletic realm continued into the classroom as KU recorded 243 student-athletes on the 2023-24 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's scholar-athlete list. It is the most Golden Bears represented in the last three years when a school-record 252 student-athletes were honored. This year also marks the fifth year in a row that the Golden Bears have eclipsed the 200 honoree mark. Kutztown is tied for the eighth-most student-athletes on the list. In order to be eligible for PSAC Scholar-Athlete honors, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25. The conference instituted a new policy last year, honoring athletes meeting the academic requirement in only PSAC sponsored sports. This change directly affected Kutztown's acrobatics & tumbling and women's bowling teams, which do not compete under the PSAC banner. Acrobatics & Tumbling is part of the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) and does not have a conference affiliation, while women's bowling is an associate member of the East Coast Conference (ECC). Bowlers are eligible to be named to the ECC Commissioner's Honor Roll, which is usually released in late July. The 2023-24 PSAC Scholar-Athlete total of 4,037 (52% of the entire PSAC student-athlete population) marks the ninth consecutive year the PSAC has awarded at least 40% of its student-athlete population with "Scholar-Athlete" status. The total number of PSAC Scholar-Athletes increased by 199 from 2022-23's total of 3,838.

Kutztown University wrestling had six representatives on the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II Scholar All-American list. Andreo Ferraina, Bailey Gimbor, Dalton Gimbor, Hunter Horton, Wayne McIntyre and Alex Ward all earned Scholar All-America status. It is the second recognition for Ferraina, Horton, Ward and D. Gimbor and the first for B. Gimbor and McIntyre. A total of 363 individuals from 61 institutions were honored as Scholar All-American. This marks the most institutions and individuals honored in the history of the award. In order for a student-athlete to be nominated to the Division II Scholar All-American Team, he must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale, with that benchmark at 3.25 for those who qualified for the 2024 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships and a 3.0 for those who were All-Americans at the 2024 Nationals. Wrestlers must have competed in four dates of competition.

Jake Skrocki, Trevor Leverington and Dominic Proietto of the Kutztown University baseball team all earned spots on the 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team. It is the second Academic All-District recognition for Skrocki and Proietto and the first honor for Leverington. To be eligible for CSC Academic All-District, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically, maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50. Skrocki, a graduate student from Royersford and 2023 All-PSAC East Second Team pitcher, started 12 games on the mound for the Golden Bears this season and went 3-5 in 67.2 innings and struck out a team-best 53 batters. He posted a 3.9 undergrad GPA, earning his degree in business administration with a finance concentration and just completed his MBA this spring, finishing with a 3.83 GPA. Leverington, a graduate student pitcher from Kutztown, appeared in 12 games this season, making eight starts on the bump. He went 2-5 in 45.1 innings. He is also a multi-year PSAC Scholar-Athlete and D2 ADA Academic Achievement award winner. Leverington earned his undergraduate degree in business administration with a focus in accounting and had a 3.51 GPA. He received his MBA this spring and graduated with a 3.79 GPA. Proietto, a graduate student from Norristown, earned his undergraduate degree in sport management with a 3.99 GPA and held a 3.67 GPA in graduate school. He was an infielder and also a pitcher for the Golden Bears, hitting .261 in 138 plate appearances and started 46-of-47 games played this season, also earning a save on the mound. Proietto is a multi-year PSAC Scholar-Athlete, D2 ADA Academic Achievement award winner and member of the Dean's List. The 2024 Academic All-District Baseball teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the diamond and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes baseball honorees in four divisions - NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA. The Division II and III CSC Academic All-America programs are partially financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures to assist CSC with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2023-24 Divisions II and III Academic All-America programs. The NAIA CSC Academic All-America program is partially financially supported through the NAIA governance structure.

Freshmen Brooke Graham and Rhi Stutz completed a successful first season on the Kutztown University women's golf team by earning All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference status, as voted on by the head coaches and released by the conference office Wednesday, May 29. Graham was voted to the First Team, while Stutz was named Second Team. The two All-PSAC selections are the most for the Golden Bears since 2018. Graham gives the program a First Teamer for the first time since Shannon Weber in 2018. The freshman from Carlisle was a medalist at this spring's PSAC Championships at the Berkleigh Golf Club, finishing third overall with a 54-hole total of 11-over 227 (75-76-76). She is the highest finishing individual for the Maroon and Gold since Shannon Weber took second at the 2017 PSAC Championships. Graham won three Invitationals during the fall and spring seasons and had three other top-three finishes out of the 10 tournaments. She was a two-time PSAC Golf Athlete of the Week. Stutz, a freshman from Prescott, Wisc., joined Graham in helping to lead KU all season, specifically at PSACs, where the team placed fourth overall. She finished in the top-10 in the field at PSAC Championships. Stutz shot a 5-over par 77 to collect her first collegiate tournament victory at the ESU Spring Invitational, earning that week's PSAC Golf Athlete of the Week.

Kutztown University acrobatics and tumbling reached new heights as a program-record 12 student-athletes were named to the 2024 National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association Academic Honor Roll. Elaina Blackstock (Brookhaven, Pa./Sun Valley), Shayla Anderson-Buchanan (Philadelphia, Pa./New Hope Christian Academy), Allison Fernandez (Westfield, N.J./Westfield), Evyn Heberlig (Newburg, Pa./Shippensburg), Cecilia Marshall (Bellingham, Mass./Home Schooled), Jordyn Osner (Broomall, Pa./Marple Newtown), Ashley Ryan (Macungie, Pa./Emmaus), Destiny Satterlee (Shenandoah Junction, W.Va./Jefferson), Paige Saxey (Clearfield, Utah/Clearfield), Zoe Tuttle (Ocean View, Del./Indian River), Maddie Welsh (York, Pa./Central York) and RoseMary Werkheiser (Easton, Pa./Easton) all earned a spot on the list. The NCATA Academic Honor Roll includes all active Acrobatics and Tumbling student-athletes with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.30 or higher. Kutztown finished with a 6-3 overall record, a program best for wins in a season. The Golden Bears' 5-element heat qualified for an at-large berth to the NCATA National Championships, the first time ever for KU. They finished fourth overall.

Cyrose Conteh and Sam Graf capped off their 2024 seasons in style, getting the nod as Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Second Team All-Americans, announced by the organization Wednesday, May 22. This gives head coach Kristen Nicholson and the Golden Bears back-to-back seasons with multiple All-Americans for the first time in program history. It is just the second time that Kutztown has had consecutive All-Americans since the 1983 and 1984 seasons. The duo is two of just five Golden Bears that achieved All-America status during their careers in Maroon and Gold, joining teammate Emma Meakim, who, along with Graf, were Third Team All-Americans last season. Robin Spector was Honorable Mention for USA Lacrosse All-America status. Conteh, a graduate student defender, was also a First Team IWLCA All-Atlantic Region, USA Lacrosse First Team All-American and First Team All-PSAC performer. She started and played in 20 games this season. She is eighth in the conference with 37 caused turnovers, a career-best, and also has won 67 draw controls and collected 40 ground balls. Conteh has found the back of the net once this season. She is third all-time at KU with 200 draw control wins and is fourth with 88 caused turnovers. Graf, a junior midfielder, was also a First Team IWLCA All-Atlantic Region, USA Lacrosse First Team All-American and First Team All-PSAC performer. She started all 21 games. She ranked third in the conference with 81 goals scored and has also added 21 assists for 102 points, fourth in the PSAC. Graf has tallied 233 career points, tied for most in program history. She also is second at KU in career goals with 175. Graf has also contributed 43 ground balls, won 92 draw controls and caused a career-high 39 turnovers. Kutztown finished the 2024 season 15-6 overall and 9-3 in the PSAC, setting a program record for wins in a season. KU played in the PSAC championship game, finishing runner-up, and also qualified for its second straight NCAA Division II Tournament.