Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Kutztown University women's lacrosse received recognition as an Academic Honor Squad by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association for 2026, while nine Golden Bears earned a spot on the honor roll. Brynn Axe (Landisville, Pa./Hempfield), Marisa Bragg (Ringoes, N.J./Hunterdon Central), Rowan Hall (Sloatsburg, N.Y./Suffern), Lauren LaMorte (West Islip, N.Y./West Islip), Alexis Plesic (Hanover, Pa./South Western), Maddie Wagner (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township), Madison Wenner (Marmora, N.J./Ocean City), Nicole Yerys (Huntington, N.Y./Walt Whitman) and Katie Yocum (Hanover, Pa./South Western) all appeared on the list. To be eligible for the honor roll, student-athletes must be a junior, senior, or graduate student and have earned a cumulative academic GPA of 3.50 or greater. For teams to be considered an Academic Honor Squad, they must have posted at least a 3.2 GPA or higher as a group for the academic year. Kutztown completed its best season in program history a little over two months ago. KU was voted 11th in the final IWLCA national poll, the highest ranking to the conclusion of a season for the Maroon and Gold. The Golden Bears (16-7 overall) made their first appearance in the NCAA DII quarterfinals earlier this month after capturing the first two national tournament wins in program history with their 12-8 first round victory over Wingate (May 7) and 9-6 second round triumph over top-seeded and previously unbeaten Slippery Rock (May 9). KU finished as PSAC runners-up for the second time in the last three years and qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the last four seasons. The Golden Bears' 16 wins are a new program single-season record, surpassing the former record of 15 set in 2024 (15-6).

Kutztown University set a new record with 255 student-athletes earning Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athlete status for the 2025-26 academic year. KU's 255 honorees this year edged the former record of 252 set back in 2020-21. As a department, 58.6% of 435 eligible Golden Bear student-athletes were named PSAC Scholar-Athletes, a 4.6% improvement over 2024-25. It's also the seventh consecutive year that Kutztown has featured 200+ PSAC Scholar-Athletes. Student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and compete in a PSAC-sponsored sport to be eligible for PSAC Scholar-Athlete recognition. Kutztown sponsors two sports that do not compete in the PSAC, acrobatics and tumbling and women's bowling. Student-athletes from those two sports are eligible for academic recognition through their affiliate conferences or national coaches organizations. The PSAC saw an uptick in overall numbers, too, honoring 4,135 student-athletes and 56% of the total conference student-athlete population. See the full list online.

Kutztown University field hockey student-athlete Olivia Kirkpatrick was named to the 2026 College Sports Communicators NCAA Division II Academic All-America Women's At-Large Second Team. Kirkpatrick has already reached senior status academically while pursuing a degree in psychology, but just completed her redshirt sophomore season on the field this past fall -her first with the Golden Bears. She had a 3.96 cumulative grade point average at the time of her nomination. The Annville, Pa., native made an immediate impact for KU and head coach Marci Scheuing. She started all 22 games on defense for a Golden Bear team that produced a school record 20 victories (20-2), ranked in the top two of the NFHCA Division II national rankings the entire season and advanced to the NCAA DII semifinals. Kutztown registered 12 shutouts, leading NCAA DII in shutouts per game (0.55) and goals against average (0.68). Kirkpatrick also contributed to the team's offense as a key piece on penalty corners, totaling seven goals, five assists, 19 points and 28 shots (19 on goal). She was a perfect 4-of-4 on penalty strokes and added a defensive save. Kirkpatrick was recognized as the PSAC Defensive Athlete of the Year, while being named All-PSAC First Team, NFHCA All-Atlantic Region First Team and NFHCA All-America First Team. Academically, she is a two-time NFHCA Scholar of Distinction and NFHCA National Academic Honor Squad member, receiving both honors at Liberty University in 2023 and Kutztown in 2025. Kirkpatrick was inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Athletics Honor Society in 2026. She's also a 2025-26 PSAC Scholar-Athlete and three-time KU Dean's List student. Kirkpatrick is Kutztown's 12th CSC Academic All-America Women's At-Large selection all-time and 10th from the field hockey program. The At-Large teams are the toughest and most competitive to make due to encompassing multiple sports that do not have their own CSC Academic All-America teams. Eligible NCAA-sponsored women's sports for the At-Large teams include beach volleyball, bowling, crew/rowing, fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, water polo and wrestling.

Kutztown University women's bowling saw eight student-athletes named to the East Coast Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll for the 2025-26 academic year. A total of 1,572 student-athletes were recognized spanning 19 full-time and affiliate member institutions. Kutztown has been an affiliate member of the ECC in women's bowling since 2015-16. Representing the Maroon and Gold on this year's Commissioner's Honor Roll are Kamryn Brenneman (York, Pa./Central York), Natalie Conrad (Wyoming, Pa./Dallas), Brooke Heimbach (Boyertown, Pa./Boyertown), Isabella Hopper (Mifflinville, Pa./Berwick), Ashley Kuster (Virginia Beach, Va./Tallwood), Kayla Mackney (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township), Miranda Pielhau (Waretown, N.J./Southern Regional) and Riley Sternik (Island Heights, N.J./Central Regional). Juniors Conrad, Heimbach and Mackney are appearing on the Honor Roll for the third time in as many years. Sophomores Brenneman, Pielhau and Sternik all earned recognition for the second time, while freshmen Hopper and Kuster were honored for the first time. The Commissioner's Honor Roll is awarded to student-athletes who hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher. This annual recognition, in addition to the conference's Scholar-Athlete awards, helps uphold the ECC's mission of promoting the total person and the ability to excel not only in the athletic arena, but also in the classroom.

Kutztown University placed six student-athletes on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Women's Track and Field/Cross Country team. Earning spots on this year's Academic All-District team were Lizzie Brown (Wallingford, Conn./Mark T. Sheehan), Mackey Donovan (Blauvelt, N.Y./Tappan Zee), Sage Dunkleberger (Watsontown, Pa./Warrior Run), Natalie Holland (Lancaster, Pa./Lampeter-Strasburg), Maura Lenhart (Center Valley, Pa./Southern Lehigh) and Marissa McNamee (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin). The CSC Academic All-District teams honor the nation's top student-athletes for their combined academic and athletic performance. Nominees must have reached sophomore status both academically and athletically, while maintaining a 3.50 cumulative grade point average. Student-athletes must also meet sport-specific eligibility requirements, which included finishing in the top 50 of the individual standings at one of the NCAA's regional championship meets during the current season (cross country) or a top 50 regional ranking in an individual event based on TFRRS regional performance rankings (track & field). Schools were permitted to nominate a maximum of six female and six male student-athletes for the CSC Academic All-District track and field/cross country teams.

Six Kutztown University student-athletes have been named to the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Men's Track and Field/Cross Country team. Making up the Golden Bears' contingent of honorees were Adam Brocato (Reisterstown, Md./Calvert Hall), Cole Doms (Somerdale, N.J./Sterling), Michael Fellin (Sheppton, Pa./Marian Catholic), Robby Lloyd (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North), Peyton Small (Littlestown, Pa./Littlestown) and Owen Weaver (Baldwinsville, N.Y./C.W. Baker). The CSC Academic All-District teams honor the nation's top student-athletes for their combined academic and athletic performance. Nominees must have reached sophomore status both academically and athletically, while maintaining a 3.50 cumulative grade point average. Student-athletes must also meet sport-specific eligibility requirements, which included finishing in the top 50 of the individual standings at one of the NCAA's regional championship meets during the current season (cross country) or a top 50 regional ranking in an individual event based on TFRRS regional performance rankings (track & field). Institutions were able to nominate a maximum of six male and six female student-athletes for the CSC Academic All-District track and field/cross country teams. Two-time All-American Michael Fellin (Sheppton, Pa./Marian Catholic) was chosen by the CSC selection committee as an Academic All-America finalist for his standout academic and athletic credentials. The CSC Academic All-America Men's Track and Field/Cross Country teams will be announced July 14.

Six Kutztown University student-athletes were recognized on the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Women's At-Large team. Representing the Maroon and Gold on this year's at-large team are Grace Harrold (York, Pa./Central York), Olivia Kirkpatrick (Annville, Pa./Palmyra) and Jessica Traynor (Pennsburg, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) from field hockey, Brooke Graham (Carlisle, Pa./Boiling Springs) from golf and Marisa Bragg (Ringoes, N.J./Hunterdon Central) and Rowan Hall (Sloatsburg, N.Y./Suffern) from lacrosse. The CSC Academic All-District teams honor the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performance in competition and in the classroom. Nominees must have reached sophomore status both academically and athletically, while maintaining a 3.50 cumulative grade point average. Additionally, student-athletes must meet sport-specific eligibility requirements to include a percentage of contests played or started, postseason participation or individual event rankings (track & field). Schools were permitted to nominate a maximum of six female and six male student-athletes for the at-large teams. Student-athletes with standout academic and athletic credentials are advanced forward to the Academic All-America ballot by the CSC selection committee. Of Kutztown's Academic All-District honorees, Kirkpatrick, Traynor and Bragg were selected as Academic All-America finalists. The CSC Academic All-America Women's At-Large teams will be announced July 7.

Kutztown University's Jared Ferguson (Reinholds, Pa./Cocalico) and Nick Varda (Columbia, Md./Atholton) have been announced as members of the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Baseball Team for the second consecutive season. Student-athletes must have reached sophomore status academically and athletically, while maintaining a 3.50 cumulative grade point average or higher. On-field eligibility for baseball requires a student-athlete to compete in 90 percent or start in at least 66 percent of their team's games. Pitchers must make at least 17 appearances or throw 35 innings. Ferguson, from Reinholds, Pa., is pursuing a business administration degree with a focus in management. The junior held a 3.62 GPA at the time of nomination. Ferguson played and started in 37-of-45 games between designated hitter and outfield, missing a bit of time due to injury. He had another strong season at the dish, batting a career-best .370 (44-for-119) with eight doubles, one home run, 26 runs batted in and 23 runs scored. Ferguson is a .359 career hitter in two seasons at KU with 85 hits, 21 doubles and 59 RBIs. Varda is a redshirt senior business administration major with concentrations in management and marketing. The Columbia, Md., native had a 3.86 GPA at the time of his nomination. Varda, who served as the Golden Bears' everyday shortstop, played in all 45 games and hit .279 (36-for-129) with four doubles, three triples, two home runs, 26 RBIs and 21 runs scored. In two seasons with the Maroon and Gold, Varda has posted a .291 batting average with 77 hits and 50 RBIs. The 2026 Academic All-District Baseball teams, selected by CSC, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field 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.

Bailey Gimbor (Bernville, Pa./Hamburg) and Dalton Gimbor (Bernville, Pa./Hamburg) of the Kutztown University wrestling team were named to the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Men's At-Large team. The CSC Academic All-District teams honor the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performance in competition and in the classroom. Nominees must have reached sophomore status both academically and athletically, while maintaining a 3.50 cumulative grade point average. Additionally, student-athletes must meet sport-specific eligibility requirements to include a percentage of contests played or started, postseason participation or individual event rankings (track & field). Schools were permitted to nominate a maximum of six male and six female student-athletes for the at-large teams. Dalton Gimbor (Bernville, Pa./Hamburg) was chosen as an Academic All-America finalist by the CSC selection committee for his standout academic and athletic credentials.

Haley Gravish (Hamburg, Pa./Hamburg), Emily Henn (Matamoras, Pa./Delaware Valley), Morgan Slomkowski (Toms River, N.J./Toms River East) and Alexa Stevens (Jefferson Township, Pa./North Pocono) were all named to the 2025-26 Division II Academic All-District Softball Team, an award that recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performance on the field and in the classroom. It is the fourth consecutive year Gravish earned a spot on the team, the third straight year for Stevens and the second for both Henn and Slomkowski. To be eligible for Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must have a 3.50 cumulative grade point average and meet certain competitive benchmarks for games played or games started. Student-athletes who meet this criteria and have significant on-field accomplishments will move on to the Academic All-America ballot. First-year student-athletes are not eligible for Academic All-District or Academic All-America honors. Gravish, a native of Hamburg, is pursuing her MBA in grad school and was a Social Media Theory and Strategy major during her undergraduate years. She is currently boasting a 3.75 GPA in grad school and had a 3.87 GPA throughout her undergrad time. This season, Gravish was voted All-PSAC East Second Team and ranked third in the PSAC in victories with 23. She is second all-time at KU with 95 career wins. Henn, a junior from Matamoras, is an elementary education major and has a 3.86 GPA. This season, she was voted the PSAC East Athlete of the Year and was All-PSAC East First Team and NFCA and D2CCA All-Atlantic Region First Team. Henn led the PSAC in hits (94) and doubles (20) and ranks eighth in the NCAA in hits, ranks second in runs scored (61) and triples (6) and was sixth in batting average (.413) and 10th in slugging percentage (.676). She ranks third in program history for hits in a season. Slomkowski is a senior and native of Toms River, N.J., and was a business administration major, graduating with a 3.72 GPA. This season, Slomkowski was voted to the All-PSAC East Second Team and ranked seventh in the PSAC with 11 home runs. She was also in the top-10 with 44 RBIs. Stevens is a senior biology major from Jefferson Township, who graduated with a 3.87 GPA. This season, she was voted All-PSAC East Second Team and ranked ninth in the PSAC in runs scored. Stevens also ranked second on the team in batting average, runs scored, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, total bases (106), slugging pct., walks and stolen bases and was third on the team in RBI and on base pct. Henn is up for Academic All-America honors, which will be announced June 16.

Four Kutztown University men's tennis student-athletes were named to the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. Representing the Maroon and Gold were junior Dang Nguyen (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam/), senior Joaquin Perez (Pachuca, Mexico/Escuela Americana), senior Emmitt Robinson (Ingersoll, Ontario/Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute) and junior Henrique Rocha (Jaticua, Brazil/Escola SEB Maceio). To be eligible for Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically. Schools were permitted to nominate up to four student-athletes in the sport of men's tennis. Athletically, student-athletes must have been in the lineup for 75% of a team's scored events. Nguyen holds a 3.78 GPA while pursuing a degree in biochemistry. He held the top spot in Kutztown's lineup throughout the year with a 6-10 record in singles and 8-9 record in doubles. The Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, native, was one of the team's three captains along with Perez and Robinson. Perez, from Pachuca, Mexico, is majoring in geology and had a 3.50 GPA at the time of his nomination. In his final season with the Golden Bears, Perez registered a 6-9 singles record while playing primarily at No. 3 and No. 4. He also posted a winning record in doubles, going 8-6 overall and 7-3 at No. 2 with Terrell Arejola (Quezon City, Philippines/Southville International School and Colleges). Robinson is appearing on the CSC Academic All-District Team for the second time in his career. The Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, native, is preparing to graduate with a degree in biology (pre-med) and has a 3.81 GPA. Robinson recorded winning records in both singles (9-5) and doubles (9-7). He led the team in singles victories and shared the team lead in doubles wins, while playing primarily at No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles. Rocha is a business administration (finance) major with a 3.91 GPA from Jaticua, Brazil. The junior totaled seven wins in doubles and three victories in singles. Rocha held down the No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles (with Nguyen) spots in the KU lineup for head coach Pete Smith.

Kutztown University's Isabela de Nadai (Vitoria, Brazil/St. Paul's School) and Kendra Yerger (Harleysville, Pa./Souderton) were announced as part of the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Women's Tennis Team. The Golden Bear duo were eligible for Academic All-District honors by achieving at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and reaching sophomore status academically and athletically. Schools were permitted to nominate up to four student-athletes in the sport of women's tennis. Athletically, student-athletes must have been in the lineup for 75% of a team's scored events. De Nadai is a sophomore from Vitoria, Brazil, who is majoring in business administration (finance) and holds a 3.84 GPA. The captain led Kutztown with six singles wins and shared the team lead with five doubles victories while playing atop the lineup this past season. Yerger, a native of Harleysville, Pa., is studying special education (visual impairment) and has a 3.79 GPA. She compiled four wins in singles (all at No. 5) and drew into 10 doubles matches, picking up a pair of victories.

Kutztown University presented the 2026 Chambliss Student Academic Achievement Awards to eight accomplished students Friday, April 24. Students who received awards were nominated by staff and faculty members for meeting one or more of the seven areas of achievement: successfully completed research projects, outstanding academic achievement, high-quality original artwork, high-quality artistic performances (music, chorus, drama, etc.), original writing in literature or meritorious writing in other fields, noteworthy achievements in athletics, and outstanding service to the KU community. The Academic Achievement Awards were established in 2004 through a donation provided by Dr. Carlson Chambliss, KU professor of astronomy from 1970-2003. The purpose of the awards is to recognize the exceptional individual achievements of a select group of KU graduating seniors. Specially designed coin medallions of gold, silver and copper were presented to the students. Freddie Retter - Gold Freddie Retter is from Quakertown, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in elementary education. He is awarded the Chambliss Academic Gold Medal for noteworthy achievements in athletics. Retter has been a dominant force on defense for a Kutztown University football team that has won three consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championships and advanced to the NCAA Division II national semifinals in two of the last three seasons. In addition to numerous accolades on the gridiron, Retter is a two-time All-America wrestler and is one of KU's top academic student-athletes. Retter, a defensive lineman, is a two-time All-PSAC East First Team and All-Super Region 1 selection. He was voted 2024 PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year and D2CCA Super Region 1 Defensive Player of the Year. This past fall, he earned D2CCA All-America Second Team honors as the Golden Bears won a school record 14 games. In 39 career games, Retter totaled 114 tackles, 21 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss. Following the 2024 football season, Retter joined the KU wrestling program for the 2025 spring semester. He went on qualify for the NCAA DII Championships at heavyweight, where he earned a fifth-place finish to capture All-America honors. This past season, Retter finished runner-up at the Super Region 1 Championships and captured his second straight All-America honor with another fifth-place effort at nationals. Retter was the 2024 PSAC Champion Scholar for football, an award presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA at each of the conference's championship events. He's also a two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-America First Team selection, three-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete, 2025 Academic All-PSAC honoree and two-time D2 ADA Academic Achievement award recipient. Peter Cadiz - Silver Peter Cadiz is from Reading, Pa. and is graduating in May with degrees in mathematics and data science. He is awarded the Chambliss Academic Silver Medal for successfully completed research project. Since 2024, Cadiz has collaborated with faculty to design and analyze complex experiments. His research resulted in two peer-reviewed publications in mathematics, including a highly selective international journal. Over a two-year period, Cadiz maintained weekly research meetings, continuing his work through summer and winter breaks. During the project, he implemented complex algorithms, performed statistical evaluations and developed hybrid heuristic-exact solution methods. Faculty mentors noted his work exceeded typical undergraduate expectations, demonstrating advanced dedication while managing a dual-degree course load. Cadiz plans to pursue graduate studies in operations research and applied mathematics. His future work will focus on developing innovative optimization solutions for both academic and industrial applications. Gabriella DeMarco - Silver Gabriella DeMarco is from Leesport, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in marine science with a concentration in oceanography and a minor in geology. She is awarded the Chambliss Academic Silver Medal for successfully completed research project. DeMarco has dedicated nearly four years to investigating 300,000 years of environmental history through her extensive research in coastal marine geology. She began her study of the Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Virginia in July 2022. Her research focuses on using sediment cores and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to track paleoenvironmental changes on the Southern Delmarva Peninsula. Through her analysis, she identified three distinct periods of ancient forestation, or paleosols, preserved between layers of marine and estuarine sediments. DeMarco has presented her findings at seven professional conferences, including meetings of the American Geophysical Union and the Geological Society of America. She has contributed to six published abstracts and successfully authored four Kutztown University Research Fund grant proposals to support her conference travel. In March, she delivered an oral presentation at the Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems in Pittsburgh, Pa. In addition to her research, DeMarco serves as a peer mentor, training new students in sediment coring, grain-size analysis and data interpretation. She is the vice president of the university's Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance chapter, a member of the women's rugby team and a student worker at the Women's Center. She also frequently volunteers for campus STEM outreach events, including Science Olympiad, Girls in STEM Symposium and the STEM Open House. Ava Esterly - Silver Ava Esterly is from Pottstown, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in environmental science with a concentration in Regenerative Organic Agriculture and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She is awarded the Chambliss Academic Silver Medal for successfully completed research project. As an intern at both Farmer Jawn and the Rodale Institute, Esterly has helped design scalable techniques for 100-acre production systems and developed comprehensive economic reports comparing conventional and organic crop yields. Esterly's extensive research portfolio focuses on the mechanical and ecological drivers of soil health. She has spearheaded studies on the synergistic effects of biochar and compost on crop productivity, the isolation of mycorrhizal fungal spores, and the impacts of transitioning conventional farming systems to regenerative management. Her findings have been presented at the Ecological Society of America (ESA) national and mid-Atlantic conferences, as well as to the research department and executive leadership at the Rodale Institute. Her professional background bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and community engagement. Esterly was selected as the student speaker to announce a $1.5 million grant for Kutztown University's Regenerative Organic Agriculture program in 2024, and was a mentor and student team leader as an underclassman for the Regenerative Agriculture Living Laboratory. Her contributions have earned her several prestigious honors, including the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement Scholarship. Erin Gonzalez - Silver Erin Gonzalez is from East Earl, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in business administration. She is awarded the Chambliss Academic Silver Medal for noteworthy achievements in athletics. Gonzalez enjoyed a standout career as a member of the Kutztown University field hockey team, leading the Golden Bears to the NCAA Division II Final Four each of the last three seasons, including a national championship in 2023 and national runner-up finish in 2024. Gonzalez was a three-time All-PSAC selection and two-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-American. In her final season with the Maroon and Gold this past fall, Gonzalez was voted PSAC Athlete of the Year, All-PSAC First Team, NFHCA All-Atlantic Region First Team and NFHCA All-America First Team. In 84 career games, Gonzalez had 47 goals, 18 assists, 112 points and 15 game-winning goals. She set new career-highs in all offensive categories in 2025, finishing with 17 goals, eight assists, five game-winning goals and 42 points in 22 games. Gonzalez ranks tied for seventh in program history in career goals scored. Brandon Hile - Copper Brandon Hile is from Winfield, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in criminal justice. He is awarded the Chambliss Academic Copper Medal for noteworthy achievements in athletics. Hile is a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter for the Golden Bear football team. He helped Kutztown to three consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championships, two NCAA Division II Super Region 1 titles and a pair of national semifinals appearances. Hile is part of the winningest senior class in program history, as the Golden Bears totaled a 45-8 record between 2022-25, including a single season record 14 victories this past fall. In 47 career games, the linebacker amassed 196 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. During KU's record-setting 2025 season, Hile was voted PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year and received All-America honors from multiple organizations. He was an All-PSAC East and D2CCA All-Super Region 1 First Team choice before going on to be named AFCA All-America Second Team, D2CCA All-America Second Team, Associated Press All-America Second Team, Walter Camp Foundation All-America and Don Hansen Gazette Honorable Mention All-America and D2Football.com Elite 100. In addition to his on-field recognition, Hile received College Sports Communicators Academic All-America First Team and Academic All-PSAC honors this past fall. Deanna Leperi - Copper Deanna Leperi is from Easton, Pa. and graduated in December with a degree in general studies. She is awarded the Chambliss Academic Copper Medal for successfully completed research project. Leperi served as a lead undergraduate researcher since January 2025, contributing to laboratory operations and peer mentorship. Her technical work was featured at the joint international American Society for Cell Biology and European Molecular Biology Organization meeting in December. She is currently co-authoring a research paper for publication. Throughout her tenure, Leperi has worked exclusively as a volunteer, opting out of academic credit or stipends. In addition to her own research, she manages laboratory logistics and provides technical assistance to fellow student researchers. Mark-handy Phanor - Copper Mark-handy Phanor is from Philadelphia, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in political science and a certificate in paralegal studies. He is awarded the Chambliss Academic Copper Medal for outstanding service to the Kutztown University community. Phanor has been recognized for his leadership and commitment to student advocacy, highlighted by his service as a student representative on the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors, where he represents and advocates for more than 85,000 students at the state level. His work has included engaging with lawmakers and contributing to conversations on higher education affordability and access. In addition to his board service, Phanor has gained policy research experience through internships with 50 State and Benefits Data Trust, where he conducted multi-state legislative analysis and research on public benefits programs. On campus, he serves as a Presidential Ambassador and Honors Peer Mentor, supporting students academically and professionally, and has also contributed to university governance through his role on the Student Conduct Board. He previously served as a Junior Council Member for the Borough of West Reading, gaining experience in local government. His commitment to service and leadership earned him an APSCUF scholarship. Phanor's academic work is centered on his honors capstone project, which examines the implications of facial recognition technologies on privacy law and the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. He has been developing this research since 2024 and received a grant from the Northeast Regional Honors Council to present his findings at its April 2026 conference.

The Department of Psychology at Kutztown University hosted its annual Psi Chi Induction and Student Awards Ceremony Thursday, April 30, 2026. The ceremony honored nine department student award winners. The psychology department awarded six seniors and three juniors with departmental awards based on their individual achievements within the fields of Research, Fieldwork, Internships, Leadership, GPA and Service. The year's Psychology Department Student Award recipients are: Lauren Schikel '26 Lauren Schikel is this year's recipient of the prestigious Gill-Lauer Sharp award; for committing herself over the past four years and maintaining high academic standards. The winner will receive a monetary check to be used for funds for graduate school. Lauren is also the Fall semester's Field Experience Award recipient, for excellence in field and internship experience. Lauren is a psychology major and has been accepted into the M.A. program in Allied Behavior Analysis at Ball State University. Two students received the Psi Chi Model Student Award for upholding and exemplifying Psi Chi's twin ideals of scholarship and service. They are: Maggie Beatty '26: Maggie is the Spring recipient of the Psi Chi Model Award. Maggie is also this year's recipient of the Student Leadership award; this award goes to the student who expressed leadership in departmental activities and psychology organizations, as well as leadership in other on- or off campus organizations. A psychology major, Maggie held various positions in Psi-chology Club throughout her years at Kutztown University. She recently completed an internship with Valley Youth House's THRIVE program and is preparing for a future career as a school guidance counselor. Derek Jester '27: Derek Jester is the Fall semester winner of the Psi Chi Model Student Award. Derek is also this Spring's recipient of the Field Experience award; this award goes to the student for excellence in field and internship experience. A psychology major with a minor in case management, he has served as the treasurer of Psichology Club. Derek also served as a faculty research assistant under Dr. Robinson. He is currently in the process of completing an independent study and is interested in pursuing a career as a therapist after graduation. Two Students will receive the Scientist/Practitioner Award for excellence in research and fieldwork. They are: Alex Reed '25: Alex is our Fall recipient of the Scientist/Practitioner Award winner. A psychology major with a minor in sociology, Alex graduated in Winter 2025. He completed several studies alongside Dr. Joanne Cohen in Counselor Education and Dr. Baranczyk in psychology. Adalyn Ober '26: Adalyn is our Spring recipient of the Scientist/Practitioner Award winner. She is also one of three recipients for the Independent Research Award; this award goes to the student who shows excellence in research projects conducted independently from a classroom experience or faculty research project. A psychology major with a minor in studio art, Adalyn is currently conducting research alongside Drs. Alycha Boehm and Heather Evans. She hopes to continue her education in art therapy after graduating from Kutztown. Two Students received the Research Award for excellence in research projects, including research experiences as faculty research assistants. They are: Rebecca Franklin '26: Rebecca is one of our Spring Research Award winners and this year's recipient of the Academic Achievement award; this award goes to the student who has the highest GPAs. A psychology major with minors in mathematics, spanish, and data science, Rebecca is currently working on an independent study under the supervision of Dr. Shelley. Her research will be presented at the Northeast Regional Honors Conference in New Haven, CT. She hopes to present her research at the Association of Psychological Sciences in Barcelona. After her time at Kutztown, she hopes to gain admission to a School Psychology program. Tamara Holmes '26: Tamara is our other Spring Research Award Winner. A double major in psychology and spanish with a minor in multicultural studies, Tamara is currently working on an independent study under the supervision of Dr. Jackson. She plans to present her research at the National Conference of Undergraduate in Richmond, VA. She also hopes to continue her research in graduate school. Tamara is currently the Assistant Resident Director of Dixon Hall. She hopes to one day become a proffer in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Three students received the Independent Research Award for excellence in research projects conducted independently from a classroom experience or faculty research project. They are: Adalyn Ober '26: Adalyn is also our Spring recipient of the Scientist/Practitioner Award winner. Samantha Koneski '27: Samantha is one of our Fall Independent Research Award recipients. A psychology major with a minor in sociology, she completed a clinical internship at Valley Youth House's THRIVE program and recently completed research alongside Dr. Mace titled "Networking, Growing Connection, and Building your Resume." Samantha plans to apply to graduate school for Clinical and Mental Health. Colin Hogan '26: Colin is the recipient of our Spring Independent Research Award. A psychology major with a minor in sociology, he recently completed an independent study under Drs. Baranczyk, McLeod and Vogel. He will be presenting his research at the Psychology Poster Session and Honors WIPS. He was accepted to the Widener Delaware Law School and hopes to work in the public sector as a criminal defense litigator after he passes the bar.

Kutztown University women's swimming saw a quartet earn spots on the 2026 Division II College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team. The 2025-26 Academic All-District Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances in the pool and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions - NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. The four Golden Bears include Phoebe Armes (Somerset, UK/Millfield School), Jena LaTorres (Allentown, Pa./William Allen), Tatum Rothermel (Halifax, Pa./Halifax) and Camryn Sedora (Chester, Md./Kent Island). Armes is a sophomore geography major with a 3.91 GPA. LaTorres is a senior majoring in criminal justice and has a 3.56 GPA. Rothermel is a senior sport management major sporting a 3.85 GPA. Sedora is a junior psychology major with a 3.83 GPA. The Academic All-District Team is coordinated by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). For more information about the CSC's Academic All-District and Academic All-America Team program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.

Kutztown University men's swimming received four members to the 2026 Division II College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team. The 2025-26 Academic All-District Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances in the pool and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions - NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. The four Golden Bears include Matheson Bair (Orwigsburg, Pa./Blue Mountain), Theo Miksa (Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks East), RJ Otten (Ballston Spa, N.Y./Ballston Spa) and Nigel Pizzo (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North). Bair is a sophomore geography major with a 3.59 GPA. Miksa is a sophomore majoring in business administration with a focus in finance/supple chain management and has a 3.96 GPA. Otten is a sophomore marine science major sporting a 3.70 GPA. Pizzo is a sophomore majoring in business administration with a focus in finance and has a perfect 4.0 GPA. The Academic All-District Team is coordinated by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). For more information about the CSC's Academic All-District and Academic All-America Team program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.

PSAC champion and national semifinalist Kutztown University football had seven members announced to the Hampshire Honor Society by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame in recognition of their academic achievements. In order to be named to the Hampshire Honor Society, a student-athlete must have completed their final year of eligibility in the fall or must have already earned an undergraduate degree, must own a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.20 or above and must have been a starter or significant contributor during the 2025 season. The seven Golden Bears include wide receiver Trevor Amorim (Slatington, Pa./Northern Lehigh), tight end Gino Campagna (San Diego, Calif./Saint Augustine), offensive lineman Patrick Fulginiti (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional), linebacker Brandon Hile (Winfield, Pa./Selinsgrove), running back Ben Martin III (Middletown, Del./Middletown), specialist Nate Millard (Birdsboro, Pa./Daniel Boone) and defensive lineman Brayden Pohlman (Egg Harbor Township, N.J./Mainland Regional). Fulginiti and Hile also earned CSC Academic All-District honors back in January with a 3.68 GPA and 3.58 GPA, respectively. Hile, the PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year, also became a CSC Academic All-American. The Hampshire Honor Society recognized a record total of 2,596 players from 365 colleges and universities at all levels of college football on the 2026 team. Kutztown finished the 2025 season 14-1 overall, a program-record for wins in a season, winning its third consecutive PSAC title and second Super Region I championship in the last three seasons.

The Department of Sport Management announced its senior award winners who will be recognized at the College of Business Commencement Banquet Friday, May 8. - Outstanding Academic Achievement Award: Marisa Bragg of Ringoes, N.J. - Outstanding Achievement in Sport Management Award: Andrew Batista of Macungie, Pa. - Outstanding Coaching/Fitness Award: Sydney Gibbons of Cresson, Pa. - Outstanding Research Award: Andrew Batista of Macungie, Pa. - Outstanding Service Award: Bryan Pensyl of Easton, Pa. - Outstanding Leadership Award: Rowan Hall of Sloatsburg, N.Y. - Outstanding Intern Award: Haley Sullick of Mountain Top, Pa. - Outstanding Sport Management Club Service Award: Braden Neeson of Scranton, Pa. COSMA Chi Sigma Mu Honors Society: - Ben Angstadt of Biglerville, Pa. - Andrew Batista of Macungie, Pa. - Sydney Gibbons of Cresson, Pa. - Rowan Hall of Sloatsburg, N.Y. - Jordyn Osner of Broomall, Pa. - Judd Novak of Manheim, Pa. - Tatum Rothermel of Halifax, Pa. - Kevin Schwartz of Doylestown, Pa. - Nicholas Varda of Doylestown, Pa. - Maddie Walsh of York, Pa.

The Kutztown University men's and women's cross country teams earned All-Academic Team recognition by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, while seven Golden Bears received the individual honor. In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers. While student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-30 percent of their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers. The women's team boasted a GPA of 3.35 and the men's squad held a GPA of 3.17. Lizzie Brown (Wallingford, Conn./Mark T. Sheehan), Sophia Knerr (Columbia, N.J./North Warren Regional), Maura Lenhart (Center Valley, Pa./Southern Lehigh), Adam Brocato (Reisterstown, Md./Calvert Hall), Port Habalar (Williamsport, Pa./South Williamsport), Robby Lloyd (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North) and Peyton Small (Littlestown, Pa./Littlestown) each were named on the individual side. Kutztown's most recent team academic award is its third in a row and fourth in the last five seasons. This past fall, the KU men tied the program's best finish at PSAC Championships in third and had a program record five All-PSAC finishers in Brocato, Habalar, Lloyd, Small and Jack Hollar (East Stroudsburg, Pa./Pocono Mountain East). The Golden Bear women also had a top-five placing at PSACs in fifth, while Lenhart, Knerr and Gabby Keith (Reading, Pa./Exeter) earned All-PSAC honors. Deandra Young (East Stroudsburg, Pa./Stroudsburg) also was tabbed All-Region at the regional race.

The Kutztown University men's and women's track and field teams were named United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Teams for the 2024-25 season, with six student-athletes announced as All-Academic Athletes. The team recognitions for the Golden Bears are the third consecutive honors for both the men's and women's teams. USTFCCCA All-Academic Teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet. Criminal justice majors Michael Fellin (Sheppton, Pa./Marian Catholic) and Jacob Solonoski (Weatherly, Pa./Weatherly), business administration majors Kevin Givone (Nazareth, Pa./Nazareth) and TJ White (Reading, Pa./Muhlenberg) and sociology major Gabe Sample (Reading, Pa./Muhlenberg) garnered individual All-Academic honors on the men's side, while graduate business administration major Delaney Beard (Sinking Spring, Pa./Governor Mifflin) was recognized as an All-Academic Athlete on the women's side. Student-athletes need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and must finish among the top 50 individuals as listed on the descending order lists on TFRRS or as a participant in the NCAA DII National Championships in order to earn All-Academic distinction. Under the direction of head coach Ray Hoffman, the Kutztown women turned in a fifth-place finish at the PSAC Indoor Championships, followed by a seventh-place performance in the outdoor competition. The KU men's side ended the season with a fourth-place showing at the PSAC Indoor Championships, finishing the season with a sixth-place performance at the PSAC Outdoor Championships.

Kutztown University field hockey set a new record with 10 Golden Bears earning National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division II Scholars of Distinction for 2025. The 10 members of KU include Marlee Fetrow (Birdsboro, Pa./Daniel Boone), Kiera Gallagher (Quakertown, Pa./Quakertown), Olivia Kirkpatrick (Annville, Pa./Palmyra), Emma Koehler (Lancaster, Pa./Penn Manor), Katie Lawless (Malvern, Pa./Great Valley), Lorelai Lehenky (Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville), Jordan Stroup (Millerstown, Pa./Greenwood), Jade Traynor (Pennsburg, Pa. Upper Perkiomen), Bella Thompson (Red Lion, Pa./Red Lion) and Taylor Vaccaro (Oley, Pa./Oley Valley). Fetrow, Gallagher, Lawless, Lehenky and Stroup all are multi-year scholars of distinction, all having been named last year as well. This NFHCA award program recognizes exceptional undergraduate student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.9 or higher through the fall semester and were nominated by their NFHCA member coaches. The NFHCA recognized 144 outstanding undergraduate student-athletes overall as 2025 Division II Scholars of Distinction.

For the second straight year, Kutztown University athletics nets a new department record with 157 student-athletes receiving Division 2 Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement award status. The 2024-25 number is 17 more than the previous high mark of 140 achieved last year. For a student-athlete to qualify for the award, they must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have completed a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work at a two-year and/or four-year institution and also been an active member of an intercollegiate team during the last academic year. For the sixth time in the past seven years, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference leads the nation in D2 ADA Academic Achievement Awards. The PSAC tallied 2,051 honorees for the 2024-25 season, the most in Division II by nearly 300 student-athletes, saw an increase of 6.88% in student athlete nominations and had 11 institutions have at least 100 honorees. The Academic Achievement Awards, in its 18th year, is a program that recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at the Division II level.

For the fourth year in-a-row under head coach Kristen Nicholson, Kutztown University women's lacrosse earned Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Academic Honor Squad accolades, as well as eight members landing on the Academic Honor Roll. The Golden Bears were among 383 programs at the NCAA Division I, Division II Division III and NAIA to be named an IWLCA Academic Honor Squad. To qualify for the prestigious honor, the team must have posted a 3.2 grade point average or higher for the entire 2024-25 academic year. The eight Golden Bears on the honor roll include Brynn Axe (Landisville, Pa./Hempfield), Marisa Bragg (Ringoes, N.J./Hunterdon Central), Kayla Brooks (Mountville, Pa./Hempfield), Olivia Eilbacher (Cherry Hill, N.J./Camden Catholic), Rowan Hall (Sloatsburg, N.Y./Suffern), Sam Graf (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Hills), Rory Nilsen (Lansdale, Pa./Pope John Paul II) and Katie Yocum (Hanover, Pa./South Western). To be eligible for this honor, student-athletes must be a junior, senior, or graduate student and have earned a cumulative academic GPA of 3.50 or greater.

Kutztown University women's bowling had nine members that earned a place on the 2025 East Coast Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll. Kamryn Brenneman (York, Pa./Central York), Natalie Conrad (Wyoming, Pa./Dallas), Megan Hanaway (Forked River, N.J./Lacey Township), Brooke Heimbach (Boyertown, Pa./Boyertown), Kayla Mackney (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township), Marissa Magill (Alburtis, Pa./Emmaus), Miranda Pielhau (Waretown, N.J./Southern Regional), Ally Sipe (York, Pa./Central York) and Riley Sternik (Island Heights, N.J./Central Regional) all were recognized on the list. The Commissioner's Honor Roll is awarded to student-athletes who receive a 3.25 or better cumulative grade point average. This annual recognition, in addition to the conference's Scholar-Athlete awards, helps to uphold the East Coast Conference's mission of promoting the total person and the ability to excel not only in the athletic arena, but also in the classroom. Kutztown finished with a 64-45 overall record and won its first ever conference championship last season.

Kutztown University men's and women's track and field was well represented on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District teams, as five each and 10 total were announced to the 2025 teams. The men's representatives consisted of Adam Brocato (Reisterstown, Md./Calvert Hall), Michael Fellin (Sheppton, Pa./Marian Catholic), Nate Schaeffer (Mohrsville, Pa./Schuylkill Valley), TJ White (Reading, Pa./Muhlenberg) and Steele Wrigley (Coatesville, Pa./Octorara). The women's representatives consisted of Delaney Beard (Sinking Spring, Pa./Governor Mifflin), Jaelyn D'Amelio (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional), Mackey Donovan (Blauvelt, N.Y./Tappan Zee), Sophia Knerr (Columbia, N.J./North Warren Regional) and Beth Schearer (Springfield, Pa./Springfield). The Academic All-District Teams recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined athletic and academic excellence. The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes men's track & field/cross country honorees in four divisions - NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. To be eligible for inclusion on the Academic All-District Team, student-athletes must have reached sophomore academic and athletic status, hold a 3.50 cumulative grade point average or higher and finish in the top 50 at a NCAA regional cross country championship or rank in the top 50 of an individual track & field event based on TFRRS regional rankings. Schools are allowed a maximum of five male and five female nominations in track & field/cross country. Brocato, a native of Reisterstown, Md., captured a 26th place finish at the 2024 NCAA DII Atlantic Region Cross Country Championships with a 10k time of 31:17.2. The junior business administration major with concentrations in accounting and finance holds a 3.70 GPA. Brocato ranked in the top 50 in the Atlantic Region in two track events: the indoor mile (21st) and outdoor 1500m (23rd). Fellin, a junior from Sheppton, Pa., posted the top time in the Atlantic Region in the indoor 60m dash with a school and PSAC championship meet record 6.65. A criminal justice major with a 3.56 GPA, Fellin went on to earn All-America Second Team honors with a 12th place finish at the 2025 NCAA DII Indoor Championships. He also ranked 20th in the indoor 200m and 32nd in the outdoor 100m. Schaeffer, a senior secondary education (mathematics) major, registered a 3.78 GPA. The senior from Mohrsville, Pa., held the seventh best mark in the Atlantic Region in the indoor pole vault, clearing 4.58m (15'0.25"). He also ranked 13th in the region in the outdoor pole vault at 4.50m (14'9). White, from Reading, Pa., captured top five rankings in the Atlantic Region in both the indoor and outdoor high jump. A senior business administration (finance) major with a 3.55 GPA, White posted a best jump of 2.04m (6'8.25") to rank fourth indoors and a 2.05m (6'8.75") to rank fifth outdoors. Wrigley is a sophomore business administration (accounting) major with a 3.92 GPA. The Coatesville, Pa., native ranked within the top 50 of the Atlantic Region in four sprint events: the indoor 400m (29th), indoor 200m (43rd), outdoor 400m (30th) and outdoor 200m (32nd). Fellin advanced to the Academic All-America ballot, where he'll be up for First-, second- or third-team consideration. Academic All-America Teams will be announced in mid-July. Beard, a Sinking Spring, Pa., native, is currently pursuing her master's degree in business administration and holds a 3.96 GPA. She previously received a graduate certificate in leadership from KU and attained a perfect 4.00 GPA while earning her bachelor's degree in biochemistry at Clarion University. Beard ranked within the top 10 of the Atlantic Region in both the indoor and outdoor triple jump. She recorded the region's eighth-best jump outdoors at 11.90m (39'0.5") and ninth-best jump indoors at 11.69m (38'4.25"). She also ranked 28th in the outdoor long jump. D'Amelio, a graduate student from Manahawkin, N.J., is enrolled in the school counseling master's program at KU, where she has a 4.00 GPA. She graduated summa cum laude from Kutztown with a bachelor's degree in psychology in May of 2024. D'Amelio ranked 10th in the Atlantic Region in the indoor 3000m with a time of 10:14.39. She also ranked 11th in the outdoor 5000m and 31st in both the indoor mile and outdoor 10,000m. Donovan, a junior psychology major from Blauvelt, N.Y., has a 3.50 GPA. The mid-distance standout recorded the region's ninth-fastest time in the indoor 800m with a 2:18.08. She ranked 24th in the outdoor 800m and 43rd in the outdoor 1500m. Knerr, from Columbia, Md., met qualifications for the Academic All-District Team in both cross country and track & field. The senior social work major with an unblemished 4.00 GPA, turned in the Atlantic Region's third-fastest 3000m steeplechase time of 11:20.17. She ranked in the top 20 of the region in the indoor 5000m (13th), outdoor 5000m (13th) and indoor 3000m (19th). Knerr, the 2025 PSAC Outdoor Track & Field Champion Scholar, also placed 41st at last fall's NCAA DII Atlantic Region Cross Country Championships with a 6k time of 22:23.3. Schearer, a sophomore from Springfield, Pa., is majoring in business administration with a 3.60 GPA. She ranked in the top 25 of the region in three events and top 50 in four. Schearer was 18th in the indoor 200m and 19th in the outdoor 200m. She posted the 25th-best time in the outdoor 400m and ranked 45th in the outdoor 100m. Knerr moved forward onto the Academic All-America ballot by virtue of her standout athletic and academic accolades. Academic All-America First-, second- and third-team honorees will be announced in mid-July.

Kutztown University softball had five from the program earn a spot on the College Sports Communicators 2025 Academic All-District team. It recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the diamond and in the classroom. Kristin Geesey (Bainbridge, Pa./Elizabethtown), Haley Gravish (Hamburg, Pa./Hamburg), Emily Henn (Matamoras, Pa./Delaware Valley), Alexa Stevens (Jefferson Township, Pa./North Pocono) and Jenna Piatkiewicz (Fogelsville, Pa./Parkland) landed on the All-District team. The five Golden Bear selections ties the program record from last year. It is the third consecutive honor for Gravish, second straight for Geesey and Stevens and the first for Henn and Piatkiewicz. Gravish and Henn will now be considered and voted on to become CSC Academic All-Americans, which will be announced June 17. Per CSC, eligible nominees must compete in 90 percent of the institution's games played or start in at least 66 percent of the institution's games. Pitchers must have made at least 17 appearances or pitched 35 innings. Geesey graduated with a degree in criminal justice and a 3.94 GPA. Gravish graduated with a degree in social media theory and strategy with a 3.86 GPA. Henn just completed her sophomore year and is majoring in elementary education and boasts a 3.71 GPA. Stevens just finished her junior year and holds a 3.83 GPA as a biology major. Piatkiewicz recently completed her junior year and is a biochemistry major with a 3.99 major. Kutztown finished the 2025 season with a 43-19 overall record and competed in the NCAA Super Regionals.

The Psychology Department at Kutztown University hosted its annual Psi Chi Induction and Student Awards Ceremony April 16, 2025. The ceremony honored seven Department Student Award Winners. The Psychology Department awarded five seniors and two juniors with departmental awards based on their individual achievements within the fields of Research, Fieldwork, Internships, Leadership, GPA, and Service.

Four Kutztown University football players were among a record number of members named to the 2025 National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society. The Hampshire Honor Society recognizes college football players from all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA and sprint football who maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers. Kutztown's four selections are linebacker/special teams Cady Clancy, linebacker Jalen DeVose (Lansdale, Pa./La Salle College H.S.), tight end/long snapper Nick Lovenguth (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown East) and offensive lineman Trey Quinones (York, Pa./William Penn). A record 2,514 players from 339 schools qualified for membership in 2025, marking the largest class in the program's 19-year history. Since its inception, the initiative has honored 20,928 student-athletes. This year's members represented six divisions: 689 from the FBS, 531 from the FCS, 212 from Division II, 978 from Division III, 58 from the NAIA, and 46 sprint football players. They hailed from schools in every state and the District of Columbia-except Alaska, which does not sponsor an eligible college football program. The FBS cohort came from 120 schools, reflecting a 90 percent participation rate. Honorees are nominated by their respective schools and must be a senior player that completed their final year of eligibility during the 2024 season or be a graduate player/transfer who has already earned a bachelor's degree and competed during the 2024 season. Players must attain a 3.2 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale and be starters or contributors throughout the 2024 season. Kutztown's four 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society members have helped the Golden Bears to three PSAC East titles, three PSAC Championship game victories and three NCAA DII Championship playoff appearances over the last four seasons. KU won its first-ever Super Region One championship in 2023 and advanced to the NCAA DII national semifinals. During their careers, the quartet also helped the Bears to a 42-9 overall record and 26-2 record in the PSAC, which included unbeaten 7-0 campaigns in 2021, 2023 and 2024.

Kutztown University women's swimming placed Olivia Bing (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North), Jena LaTorres (Allentown, Pa./William Allen), Tatum Rothermel (Halifax, Pa./Halifax) and Camryn Sedora (Chester, Md./Kent Island) on the 2024-25 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. The 2024-25 Academic All-District Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances in the pool and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions - NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. All four Golden Bears qualified for and competed in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championships in Feb. Bing competed in the 1000 free, 200 free, 500 free and 1650 free. She earned two team points in the 1650 with her 19:23.20. The senior is a social studies/secondary education major from Newtown with a 3.97 GPA. LaTorres competed in the 50 free, 200 free, 50 free and 100 free. She is a junior criminal justice major from Allentown with a 3.53 GPA. Rothermel competed in the 200 IM, 400 Medley Relay, 100 Breaststroke and 200 Breaststroke. She placed seventh overall in the 200 Breast with a time of 2:26.21, which ranks fourth all-time at KU. She also earned a team point in the 100 Breast. She is a sophomore sport management major from Halifax with a 3.74 GPA. Sedora competed in the 1000 free, 800 Free Relay, 200 free, 500 free and 1650 free, earning four team points. She is a sophomore psychology major from Chester, Md., with a 3.80 GPA.

Kutztown University field hockey had six representatives earn National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Scholars of Distinction honors for 2024. The list includes Megan Doyle (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown), Marlee Fetrow (Birdsboro, Pa./Daniel Boone), Kiera Gallagher (Quakertown, Pa./Quakertown), Katie Lawless (Malvern, Pa./Great Valley), Lorelai Lehenky (Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville) and Jordan Stroup (Millerstown, Pa./Greenwood). It is the fourth straight honor for Doyle. This year, 125 student-athletes were recognized as NFHCA Division II Scholars of Distinction. The Division II Scholars of Distinction program recognizes student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 3.9 or higher through the first semester of the 2024-25 academic year. Since head coach Marci Scheuing arrived prior to the 2013 season, Kutztown has consistently paired high-level of play on the field and academic performance in the classroom. Multiple Golden Bear student-athletes have been honored as NFHCA Scholars of Distinction each season since 2014 --including a program-high seven following the 2016 season.