Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Kutztown University women's lacrosse has been setting records both as a team and individually during the 2024 season and another one has come to fold. KU had four student-athletes named to 2024 USA Lacrosse All-America teams. Sam Graf was named First Team, Cyrose Conteh was Third Team while Emma Meakim and Robin Spector were Honorable Mention. The senior Meakim has started all 20 games at attack and is first in the PSAC with 46 assists. She is the program record holder in career assists with 127 to date and ranks third in points at 210. Meakim has scored 21 goals this season, recorded 27 ground balls, caused seven turnovers and won six draw controls. Graf, a junior midfielder, has started all 20 games. She ranks third in the conference with 80 goals scored and has also added 20 assists for 100 points, fourth in the PSAC. Graf has tallied 231 career points, second most in program history. She also is second at KU in career goals with 174. Graf has also contributed 42 ground balls, won 90 draw controls and caused a career-high 38 turnovers. Conteh, a graduate student defender, has started and played in 19 games this season. She is eighth in the conference with 36 caused turnovers, a career-best, and also has won 65 draw controls and collected 37 ground balls. Conteh has found the back of the net once this season. She is third all-time at KU with 198 draw control wins and is fourth with 87 caused turnovers. Spector is a senior defender and has started all 20 games. She is tied for fifth in the conference with 50 ground balls and is fourth at KU with 34 caused turnovers. Spector ranks in the top-10 in program history in career ground balls (133) and caused turnovers (68). Kutztown is set to take on East Stroudsburg in the Atlantic Region semifinals 3 p.m. Thursday, May 16, from Vonnie Gros Field at West Chester.

Kutztown University women's lacrosse has been setting records both as a team and individually during the 2024 season and another one has come to fold. KU had a program record six representatives on the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-Atlantic Region teams, the organization announced Wednesday, May 15. Defenders Cyrose Conteh and Summer Davis, midfielder Sam Graf and attackers Lailah ElBouazzaoui and Emma Meakim were voted to the First Team. Shannon Lake, also on attack, appeared on the Second Team. It is the first IWLCA honor for Davis and the second for the other five Golden Bears. Last season, the Golden Bears and head coach Kristen Nicholson had five representatives earn All-Region status, the first selections for All-Region since 1984. These student-athletes are now eligible to be named to a national IWLCA All-America team. The IWLCA will announce the Division II 2024 All-American teams Wednesday, May 22. Lake, a senior, has started all 18 games at attack this season and is third on KU with 47 goals, tied for fifth with 11 assists and fourth with 58 points. She also has collected a career-best 20 ground balls, caused seven turnovers and won five draw controls. Lake went over the 100-career goal mark this season and has accumulated 117 to date, tied for seventh in KU lore. She is also seventh in program history with 146 points. The senior Meakim has started all 20 games at attack and is first in the PSAC with 46 assists. She is the program record holder in career assists with 127 to date and ranks third in points at 210. Meakim has scored 21 goals this season, recorded 27 ground balls, caused seven turnovers and won six draw controls. Graf, a junior midfielder, has started all 20 games. She ranks third in the conference with 80 goals scored and has also added 20 assists for 100 points, fourth in the PSAC. Graf has tallied 231 career points, second most in program history. She also is second at KU in career goals with 174. Graf has also contributed 42 ground balls, won 90 draw controls and caused a career-high 38 turnovers. Conteh, a graduate student defender, has started and played in 19 games this season. She is eighth in the conference with 36 caused turnovers, a career-best, and also has won 65 draw controls and collected 37 ground balls. Conteh has found the back of the net once this season. She is third all-time at KU with 198 draw control wins and is fourth with 87 caused turnovers. ElBouazzaoui, junior attack, has started all 20 games this season and ranks second on KU with 50 goals and has 17 assists for 67 points, second on the team. She has contributed 27 ground balls, caused 12 turnovers and won 25 draw controls. Her 145 career goals ranks third all-time at KU and her 172 points ranks fourth. Davis is a sophomore defender that has started in all 20 games this season. She is fifth in the PSAC with 42 caused turnovers and is fourth at KU with 39 ground balls. Davis has also won eight draw controls. Kutztown is set to take on East Stroudsburg in the Atlantic Region semifinals 3 p.m. Thursday, May 16, from Vonnie Gros Field at West Chester.

Darryl Davis-McNeil of the Kutztown University football team and Emma Meakim of KU women's lacrosse were voted Kutztown University athletics' senior athletes of the year for 2023-24. The awards were voted upon by the athletic department's coaches, administration and support staff, and presented to the recipients at the All-Sports Celebration this past Monday night, May 6. Davis-McNeil is a three-time All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East selection, earning First Team honors at running back in 2022 and 2023. He ranks second in program history in career rushing yards with 2,743, fourth in rushing touchdowns with 30 and fifth in rushing attempts with 517. He helped KU to PSAC East titles in 2019, 2021 and 2023, PSAC championships in 2021 and 2023 and the NCAA Super Region 1 title in 2023. In addition to his postseason accolades and career rushing numbers, Davis-McNeil produced a 1,000-yard rushing season in 2022 and was the 2023 PSAC Championship Game Most Valuable Player after rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-7 win over nationally ranked Slippery Rock. He now gives the Golden Bear football program back-to-back winners as former teammate, Jerome Kapp, won the award last year. Meakim earned All-PSAC East First Team, IWLCA All-Atlantic Region First Team and IWLCA All-America Third Team honors in 2023 while leading the Golden Bears to their first-ever PSAC and NCAA Tournament appearances. She's expected to receive conference, regional and national accolades again this spring. Emma shattered the program's career assists record, which was 57, with 124 and counting. She ranks second in program history with 204 points, including 80 goals. Meakim's elite playmaking abilities have the Golden Bear women's lacrosse team nationally ranked and playing for a PSAC title and likely the NCAA Tournaments for the second straight season. She is the program's single-game, season and career assists leader.

Tyler Whary of the Kutztown University football team and Sadie Doss of KU women's volleyball were voted Kutztown University athletics' senior scholar-athletes for 2023-24. The awards were voted upon by the athletic department's coaches, administration and support staff, and presented to the recipients at the All-Sports Celebration this past Monday night, May 6. Whary graduated cum laude from KU with a degree in business administration (management) in 2022 and had a 3.57 GPA. He's currently pursuing his MBA and has a 3.22 GPA. Tyler is a four-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete, 2x D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award recipient and 2x CSC Academic All-District Team member. He is a three-time All-PSAC East selection and the 2023 PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year. Whary played in 51 career games, compiling 246 tackles and 14 sacks. He helped Kutztown win three PSAC East titles, two PSAC championships and the 2023 Super Region 1 championship. Tyler was a D2CCA All-Super Region 1 selection and Don Hansen All-America Honorable Mention in 2023. He is the first football representative to win senior scholar athlete since 2020, when former teammate, Justin Tindull, won it. Doss graduated summa cum laude from KU in 2023 with a degree in sport management and a perfect 4.0 GPA. She is pursuing a master's degree in student affairs in higher education and also has a perfect 4.0 GPA in her graduate work. Sadie was a 3-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete, 2x D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award recipient and a two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree. She registered 899 kills and 756 digs in three years with the Golden Bears, twice earning All-PSAC East First Team honors and landing on the D2CCA All-Atlantic Region Second Team in 2023. Doss is the first volleyball student-athlete to earn this prestigious award since 2012-13. She is a two-time All-PSAC East First Team selection and 2023 All-Atlantic Region Second Team honoree that amassed nearly 900 kills and more than 750 digs in her three- year KU career.

Kutztown University's Jazz Ensemble I has been honored by the DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards with the Outstanding Performance Award in the category of Undergraduate Jazz Ensemble College Performance. The DownBeat Student Music Awards recognize the top jazz ensembles at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Nine judges evaluate the participating groups based on several performance criteria including overall sound, proper interpretation, improvisation, creativity, intonation, phrasing and dynamics. The honorees are selected from a competitive pool in which winners must demonstrate a distinct voice in addition to technical proficiency. The DownBeat Student Music Awards are considered the most prestigious awards in jazz education. Since its founding in 1976, hundreds of musicians, music educators and music industry professionals received their first international recognition as DownBeat Student Music Award winners. This is the 10th win for the KU Commercial Music program but the first for the Jazz Ensemble. Other winners in this category were Vanderbilt University and University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

A near program record seven members of the No. 12 Kutztown University women's lacrosse team received All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference recognition, voted on by the head coaches and announced Wednesday, May 8. Shannon Lake (Medford, N.Y./Patchogue-Medford), Emma Meakim (Hatboro, Pa./Upper Moreland), Sam Graf (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Hills) and Cyrose Conteh (Elizabethtown, Pa./Elizabethtown) all were named to the First Team, while Lailah ElBouazzaoui (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan), Summer Davis (Beach Haven, N.J./Southern Regional) and Robin Spector (Northfield, N.J./Mainland Regional) were on the Second Team. It is the third All-PSAC honor for Conteh, Graf and ElBouazzaoui and the second for Meakim, Lake and Spector. The seven selections are the second most in program history and the most since the program was brought back in 2007. The 1982 team had eight all-conference selections. Lake, a senior, has started all 18 games at attack this season and is second on KU with 47 goals, fifth with 11 assists and fourth with 58 points. She also has collected a career-best 20 ground balls, caused seven turnovers and won five draw controls. Lake went over the 100-career goal mark this season and has accumulated 117 to date, tied for seventh in KU lore. She is also seventh in program history with 146 points. The senior Meakim has started all 18 games at attack and is first in the PSAC with 43 assists. She is the program record holder in career assists with 124 to date and ranks third in points at 204. Meakim has scored 18 goals this season, recorded 27 ground balls, caused six turnovers and won six draw controls. Graf, a junior midfielder, has started all 18 games. She ranks third in the conference with 70 goals scored and has also added 18 assists for 88 points, fourth in the PSAC. Graf has tallied 219 career points, second most in program history. She also is second at KU in career goals with 164. Graf has also contributed 38 ground balls, won 81 draw controls and caused a career-high 35 turnovers. Conteh, a graduate student defender, has started and played in 17 games this season. She is tied for eighth in the conference with 33 caused turnovers, a career-best, and also had won 50 draw controls and collected 35 ground balls. Conteh has found the back of the net once this season. She is third all-time at KU with 183 draw control wins and is fourth with 84 caused turnovers. ElBouazzaoui, junior attack, has started all 18 games this season and ranks third on KU with 45 goals and has 16 assists for 61 points, tied for second. She has contributed 26 ground balls, caused 12 turnovers and won 24 draw controls. Her 140 career goals ranks third all-time at KU and her 166 points ranks fourth. Davis is a sophomore defender that has started in all 18 games this season. She is tied for sixth in the PSAC with 35 caused turnovers and is fifth at KU with 33 ground balls. Davis has also won eight draw controls. Spector is a senior defender and has started all 18 games this season. She ranks fifth in the conference with 48 ground balls and is fourth at KU with 31 caused turnovers. Spector ranks in the top-10 in program history in career ground balls (131) and caused turnovers (65). Kutztown (14-4 overall), the second seed from the East Division, advanced to the semifinal round after a 10-8 victory over No. 11 East Stroudsburg, the three seed, in Tuesday's quarterfinal. KU will take on the top seed from the West, Seton Hill, in the semis in Greensburg on the campus of the Griffins, this Friday, May 10, at 1 p.m.

Naya Darnowski, Emily Henn and Brianna Stocklin of the Kutztown University softball team earned All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division postseason honors, being tabbed to the Second Team, as voted on by the league's head coaches and announced Tuesday, April 30. It is the second All-PSAC recognition for Stocklin and the first for Darnowski and Henn. Darnowski, a junior first baseman from Manchester, N.J., has stepped up this season and is having a career-best year so far. She has started 50-of-51 games played this season thus far and is hitting .317 in 142 at-bats. Darnowski has 45 hits, including a career-high four home runs, and also has 24 RBIs and scored 32 runs. Henn, a freshman left fielder from Matamoras, has hit the ground running in her first collegiate season. She ranks in the top-10 in the PSAC in several statistical categories, including hits (7th, 65), RBIs (8th, 44), triples (2nd, 5) and stolen bases (10th, 19). Henn has started all 51 games and is hitting a team-best .376 in 173 at-bats. She has scored 40 runs and has nine doubles and a team-high eight HRs. Stocklin, a junior returning All-PSAC East Second Team selection in the outfield from last season, has been the leadoff once again for the Golden Bears and the catalyst to runs being scored. If she gets on base, more than likely good things happen. Her 46 runs scored ranks seventh in the conference. Stocklin has started all 51 games and is hitting .356 with 58 hits in 163 at-bats. She has 11 doubles, 17 RBIs and a .432 on-base percentage. Stocklin has 65 career stolen bases, which is sixth-best in program history. Kutztown, the East Division's two seed, opens play in the PSAC Tournament this week with its first game against the third seed out of the West Division, California (Pa.), 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, from Veterans Park in Quakertown.

Kutztown University's Department of History inducted the 2024 class of its Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society Tuesday, April 16. Learn more about KU's Department of History at https://www.kutztown.edu/academics/colleges-and-departments/liberal-arts-and-sciences/departments/history.html.

For the first time in his college career, junior third baseman Jimmy Kerley (Indian Trail, N.C./Sun Valley) of the Kutztown University baseball team was named to the All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Second Team, as announced by the conference office Tuesday afternoon. The Indian Trail, N.C. native impressed at the plate in 2024, posting career-highs in almost every statistical category. Kerley led the Golden Bears in hits (55), RBI (38), home runs (7), slugging percentage (.480), and total bases (82). He sits around the top ten in the PSAC in hits, home runs, RBI, and total bases. The junior was a staple at third base for head coach Eric Folmar throughout the season, making impressive plays at the hot corner consistently. Kerley had 15 multi-hit games in 2024, including a team-high five games with three hits. He led KU with the longest hitting streak of 14 games and reached a base streak of 16 games. Kerley also led the Golden Bears with nine multi-RBI games, including four games with three RBI. Kerley is set to return for his senior season in 2025 and will be a leader for a youthful Golden Bears squad that will need to replace a large chunk of their lineup.

Kutztown University inducted 45 students into the Tau Sigma National Transfer Honor Society at its induction ceremony in April 2024. Tau Sigma was incorporated in 1999 at Auburn University and there are more than 175 chapters across the country. Tau Sigma National Honor Society is a growing, prestigious organization on KU's campus for transfer students. Established in 2016, the Eta Mu chapter is the third Tau Sigma chapter within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). This chapter has been recognizing transfer students who earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher in their first semester at KU.

This week, the National Tenpin Coaches Association announced All-Region teams for the 2023-24 bowling season and Kutztown senior Chloe Sromovski (Wilkes-Barre, Pa./G.A.R. Memorial) was on the list, earning Honorable Mention. Sromovski represented the Northeast Region and was voted on by participating head coaches. She was also named to the All-East Coast Conference First Team for the second straight season. Sromovski has only gotten better as her Golden Bear career has progressed. As of the completion of the Mount Shootout, Sromovski paced Kutztown with a 19.69 Baker frame average and 19.46 traditional frame average while leading the team in frames completed in both formats. Sromovski also owned a team-best 82.8% fill percentage and 47.8% strike percentage in Baker play and an 81.6% fill percentage and 45.5% strike percentage in traditional play. Sromovski has bowled three of the top 10 traditional games in program history this season, including a career-high 280 (third best all-time at KU) against Lincoln Memorial at the Mount Shootout, Feb. 10. Sromovski is just the third player in program history to earn all-conference first team accolades in consecutive years joining hall of famer Kayla Jones (2009, 2011 and 2012) and Jenn Fitts (2016 and 2017).

Megan Hanaway (Forked River, N.J./Lacey Township) of Kutztown University was recently presented with the East Coast Conference Women's Bowling Elite 20 Award, in conjunction with the conference's championship tournament. Hanaway, a senior, holds a 3.98 cumulative grade point average while majoring in elementary education at KU. The Forked River, N.J., native earned the award for having the highest GPA of all student-athletes competing at the 2024 ECC Women's Bowling Championship. The ECC presents an Elite 20 Award at each of its 20 conference-sponsored championships. Kutztown is an associate member of the conference just for the sport of women's bowling. Hanaway is a two-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete, two-time D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award recipient nas has been named to the ECC Commissioner's Honor Roll and NTCA All-Academic List. Hanaway was also inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Athletics Honor Society in 2023 and is a seven-time KU Dean's List student.

The Department of Psychology at Kutztown University hosted its annual Psi Chi Induction and Student Awards Ceremony Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The department awarded 11 seniors and one junior with departmental awards based on their individual achievements within the fields of research, fieldwork, internships, leadership, GPA and service.

The Department of Psychology at Kutztown University hosted its annual Psi Chi Induction Ceremony Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The ceremony honored 38 new members, who are to be inducted into Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology. Psi Chi is the International Honor Society for Psychology majors, with chapters around the globe. Since 1992, the KU Chapter of Psi Chi has held events and biweekly meetings for its members and other psychology students. Anyone is welcome to attend the meetings, where topics typically center around psychological research and graduate school. Psi Chi offers its new and ongoing members support programs for undergraduate, graduate, and faculty. Assistance with research projects and educational opportunities are available with membership. Members also receive valuable career resources and networking opportunities.

Kutztown University presented the Chambliss Student Academic Achievement Awards to six accomplished students Friday, April 5. Students who received awards were nominated by staff and faculty members for meeting one or more of the six areas of achievement: successfully completed research projects, 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.

Olivia Bing (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North), Paige Heck (Dauphin, Pa./Central Dauphin), Gracie McKee (Gilbertsville, Pa./Boyertown) and Alexandra Wetzel (Red Lion, Pa./Red Lion) of the Kutztown University women's swim team were named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, Tuesday, April 2. The four Golden Bears were honored for their performance in the classroom along with being a regular contributor to their program in the pool. Nominees must have a 3.50 cumulative grade point average while having reached sophomore academic status. Graduate student nominees must have a 3.50 cumulative grade point average both as an undergraduate and graduate (if they've completed their first semester of grad school). Competitively, swimmers must compete in four competitions or finish top eight in an event at a conference meet. Bing is a junior Spanish major from Newtown, Pa., with a 3.99 GPA. Primarily swimming distance freestyle events, Bing is in her second year as a member of the KU swim team. Heck is majoring in biology (allied health) and holds a 3.97 GPA. The sophomore from Dauphin, Pa., recently completed her second season with the program and competes in the backstroke and freestyle events for the Bears. McKee, one of the most accomplished swimmers in recent KU history, is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration. The Gilberstville, Pa., native graduated magna cum laude with her bachelor of science in business administration (marketing) from Kutztown in 2023. She recorded a 3.72 undergraduate GPA and is currently sporting a 3.67 graduate GPA. McKee's numerous accomplishments in the pool in addition to her academic achievements make her a finalist for Academic All-America. She is a seven-time PSAC medalist and All-PSAC selection, with a PSAC title in the 200 back (2023), silver medals in the 100 back (2023), 200 back (2022) and bronze in the 100 back (2022, 2024), 200 back (2024) and 100 butterfly (2023). McKee holds school records in the 100 back (56.60), 200 back (2:02.90) and 100 fly (56.39) and appears on the program's top 10 list in 12 times between individual events and relays. Wetzel is a sophomore from Red Lion, Pa., and is majoring in mathematics education. She has a 3.96 GPA. Wetzel competes in the 100 and 200 back and is a two-year member of the Golden Bears. The CSC Academic All-America program recognizes women's swimming & diving honorees in four divisions --NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America honorees will be announced April 23.

National qualifiers Bailey Gimbor (Bernville, Pa./Hamburg), Dalton Gimbor (Bernville, Pa./Hamburg) and Matthew Weinberg (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan) of No. 18 Kutztown wrestling added onto their postseason accolades as the trio earned All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference honors, as voted on by the conference's head coaches. Bailey and Weinberg were named to the First Team, while Dalton was on the Second Team. It is the second All-PSAC recognition for both Dalton and Weinberg and the first time receiving All-Conference for Bailey. Bailey achieved All-America status at nationals in Park City, Kan., just about two weeks ago, recording an eighth-place finish in the 157-pound weight class. He finished the 2023-24 season, his second in Maroon and Gold, with a 22-6 overall record. It was his first trip to nationals after finishing in third at the SR1 Championships inside Keystone Arena earlier this month. Weinberg came within one win of a national championship, finishing runner-up at 184 pounds at nationals, his highest finish to date. He is just the seventh Golden Bear to wrestle in a national championship match all-time. Weinberg is a two-time All-American and went 27-4 this season with his second Super Region 1 title. Dalton, who earned Third Team status last season, made his second straight trip to nationals, winning a match before dropping his next two. He finished this season with a career-high 28 wins (28-8), eight pins, seven technical falls and a regional runner-up finish.

Leila Hurley (Jim Thorpe, Pa./Jim Thorpe), Shannon Remolde (Philadelphia, Pa./Saint Basil Academy), Olivia Smelas (Jim Thorpe, Pa./Jim Thorpe) and Zara Zerman (Jonestown, Pa./Northern Lebanon) were named to the 2023-24 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, an award that recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performance on the court and in the classroom. 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, and compete in 90 percent of the institution's games or must start in at least 66 percent of contests. Hurley, Remolde and Zerman are multi-year members, while this is the first honor for Smelas. Hurley, a sophomore elementary education major, holds a 3.82 grade point average. The guard played in all 30 games and averaged 7.3 points per game, shooting 36.7% from long distance. Remolde is a junior business administration major with a focus in accounting. She has a 3.98 GPA. Remolde played in all 30 games, making 21 starts. She finished second on the team with 40 steals and also had 42 assists, primarily guarding the opposing team's best offensive player. Smelas, a sophomore business administration (accounting) major, boasts a 3.65 GPA. She appeared in all 30 games this season and started in 23 of them. Smelas averaged 8.4 ppg, a team-best 7.2 rebounds per game and led KU with 49 steals. She also was second with 26 blocks and 53 assists. Zerman is a senior sport management major that holds a 3.96 GPA. She started in all 29 games she played in this season. Zerman averaged 9.2 ppg and 3.0 rpg in 27.4 minutes per game. Zerman led the team with 69 assists and added 33 steals. Academic All-District honorees are considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America ballot. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America honorees will be announced in early April. 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.

Kutztown University awarded its Unpaid Internship Scholarships to 10 students for this year. The Unpaid Internship Scholarship provides a student, who otherwise may not be able to complete an internship due to financial reasons, a scholarship to assist with financial needs (i.e., transportation, food). Students must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and submit an application, essay and a letter of recommendation.

Kutztown University will have 28 student-athletes representing its women's lacrosse program for the 2024 season. Read the full season preview. Kutztown women's lacrosse had a season for the record books in 2023. KU had one of, if not its best season in program history last year and looks to accomplish more in 2024. In one of the biggest single season turnarounds in program history, the Golden Bears had a record-tying 13 wins (finished 13-6), their first-ever IWLCA national ranking and first-ever NCAA Division II Championship tournament appearance. Kutztown also clinched its first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship berth in the conference tournament era, finishing 9-3 in the PSAC and defeating No. 15 East Stroudsburg 12-9 in the quarterfinal round. It was the second victory in-a-row over the Warriors, as they also won the regular season finale, 16-14, on Apr. 29, for the program's first win over a nationally ranked opponent since the lacrosse program returned to varsity status in 2008. The Maroon and Gold ended 2023 18th nationally in the poll. Its nine-win improvement over 2022 was tied for the biggest increase in wins in program history. Kutztown enters this season ranked 19th in the country and was picked third in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division, behind West Chester and East Stroudsburg at one and two, respectively.

Kutztown University athletics honored 42 student-athletes Tuesday, March 26, as part of the Pennsylvania Alpha Omega Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma in the National College Athlete Honor Society. The luncheon recognized those student-athletes who excel in both the classroom and competition. Chi Alpha Sigma was founded in 1996 by then DePauw University head football coach Nick Mourouzis. His goal was to provide outstanding student-athletes with an opportunity to become connected within a fraternal association that aligns their educational and athletic successes for a lifetime. In order to be inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a student-athlete must attend a four-year accredited college or university that is a member of the NCAA, NAIA, USCAA or NCCAA. The honoree also must achieve at least junior academic standing by the fifth semester or seventh quarter, as determined by the certifying institution, and must have achieved a minimum cumulative grade-point average of a 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale).

Kutztown University inducted 34 students into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at the induction ceremony held Tuesday, Feb. 27. Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest, largest and most selective collegiate honor society that inducts persons from every academic discipline. Distinguished junior and senior level students join a century-old community of scholars and professionals that includes individuals who have distinguished themselves in positions of leadership and whose careers have been characterized by achievement.

Joe Jardine (Mohrsville, Pa./Schuylkill Valley), Jacob Solonoski (Weatherly, Pa./Weatherly), Kiana Young (East Stroudsburg, Pa./Stroudsburg), Taniyah Lawler (Chester, Pa./Chester), Beth Schearer (Springfield, Pa./Springfield), Raechel Bonner (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin), and Taylor Funk (Denver, Pa./Cocalico) of the Kutztown University track and field program earned U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Indoor Track & Field All-Atlantic Region honors, as announced by the organization Tuesday afternoon. To earn All-Region honors, an athlete must either be top five in their event in the region or be a member of one of the region's top-three relay teams. On the men's side, Jardine has been far and away the best and most consistent pole vaulter in the region during the indoor season. The Mohrsville native won the PSAC title with a jump of 5.06m (16'7.25"), which is the best in the Atlantic region, the second-best in KU history, and the 12th-best mark in the country this season. Jardine will have the chance to battle for a national championship this Saturday, March 9 as he competes in the NCAA DII Indoor Championships at the Robert W. Plaster Center in Pittsburg, Kan. Solonoski capped off his spectacular indoor campaign with a third-place finish and a personal best of 17.41m (57'1.5") in the weight throw at the PSAC Indoor Championships. It was the first conference medal for the junior from Weatherly, Pa. as his mark was the fourth-best in the Atlantic region this season. On the women's side, the 4x400m relay squad of Young, Lawler, Schearer, and Bonner earned an All-Region nod after becoming the third 4x400 team in KU history to win the PSAC title with a time of 3:54.70. That foursome broke the school record in the event at the Fasttrack National Invitational on Feb. 9 with a time of 3:54.05. When adjusted for track size, their PSAC title-winning race was the second-best mark in the region. Funk competed in four meets for the Golden Bears in the pole vault this past season. The freshman cleared the bar at 3.60m (11'9.75") at the Bison Opener on Dec. 2, which stood as the joint fifth-best mark in the region throughout the season. That jump is also tied for the sixth-best mark in KU history. Outside of Jardine this weekend, the Golden Bears as a team are back in action on March 22-23 to kick off the outdoor season at the Dr. Jack M. Toms Alumni Invitational in Lynchburg, Va.

Kutztown University has conferred degrees for 404 students for the 2023 fall semester and 2024 winter session. Kutztown University announces degree conferment twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. Commencement exercises are held in May and December; however, students finish the requirements for graduation throughout the entire year. The cumulative grade point average necessary for honors distinction is: with honor (cum laude) 3.40; with high honor (magna cum laude) 3.60 and with highest honor (summa cum laude) 3.80. Students who have requested privacy (FERPA) are not listed publicly.

Kutztown University field hockey had four student-athletes on the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Scholars of Distinction honors for 2023, announced Monday, Feb. 19. Jillian Buchman (Drums, Pa./Hazleton), Megan Doyle (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown), Sarah Gatehouse (Sinking Spring, Pa./Wilson) and Hannah McConnell (Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) all were recognized by the NFHCA for their hard work in the classroom. It is the fourth straight honor for Buchman and Gatehouse and first for Doyle and McConnell. This year, 121 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 2023-24 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. The NFHCA will announce the National Academic Team awards on Wednesday, Feb. 21, and the National Scholar-Athlete on Monday, Feb. 26.

The Kutztown University Field Hockey team had 17 of its members receive recognition on the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division II National Academic Squad, announced Wednesday, Feb. 14. The program honors student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher through the first semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. 383 student-athletes from 34 Division II institutions have been named to the 2023 NFHCA Division II National Academic Squad. The NFHCA will announce the Scholars of Distinction on Monday, Feb. 19, and the National Academic Team awards on Wednesday, Feb. 21, and the National Scholar-Athlete on Monday, Feb. 26. A list of KU's award winners can be found below: National Academic Squad (17) *Four-year member *Shannon Barrett (Shavertown, Pa./Dallas) Shae Bennett (Boiling Springs, Pa./Boiling Springs) Paige Bucher (Lebanon, Pa./Cedar Crest) *Jillian Buchman (Drums, Pa./Hazleton) Megan Doyle (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) *Alyssa Eager (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) *Sarah Gatehouse (Sinking Spring, Pa./Wilson) Alexis Hanlin (Boiling Springs, Pa./Boiling Springs) *Mia Kepler (Wall Township, N.J./Wall) Hannah McConnell (Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) Greenleigh McGehee (New Tripoli, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) *Lulu O'Neill (Collingswood, N.J./Collingswood) *Andie Sierer (Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) Jordan Stroup (Millerstown, Pa./Greenwood) Jessica Traynor (Pennsburg, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) Ella Weidenhammer (Newport, Pa./Newport) *Abby Wheeler (Bethlehem, Pa./Northampton)

Kutztown University will have 23 student-athletes representing its women's acrobatics and tumbling program for the 2024 season. Read the full season preview. Kutztown University acrobatics & tumbling made substantial strides as a second-year program in 2023, finishing with its first winning record and first victory over a nationally ranked opponent. The Golden Bears will try to carry that momentum forward into a new season and elevate their goals for 2024. The 2024 schedule pits KU against a nice mix of familiar and new opponents. The Golden Bears open at home with a tri-meet against fourth-ranked Gannon and East Stroudsburg, Saturday, Feb. 10, at Keystone Arena.

The Kutztown University men's and women's cross country teams have been awarded All-Academic honors by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). The organization announced that Robby Lloyd (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North), Kayden Platania (Buena, N.J./Buena Regional), Jaelyn D'Amelio (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional), Ana Fratanduono (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan), and Erika Moriarty (Kutztown, Pa./Kutztown) also received individual All-Academic Athlete honors, along with the team honors. To be eligible for a All-Academic team distinction, the teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and their score at the respective regional championship meets must be compiled. The men's team achieved a 3.23 GPA and an 11th-place finish at the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship. This is the seventh time in program history that the men's team has received this honor and the first since 2017. The women's team finished with a 3.59 GPA and a 10th-place finish at regionals. This is the 20th time that the women's squad has earned this honor and the first since 2017. For individual All-Academic distinction, athletes must have a 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top 30 percent of the regional championship meet. Robby Lloyd (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North) and Kayden Platania (Buena, N.J./Buena Regional) are the 14th and 15th men in program history to receive this honor. Meanwhile, Jaelyn D'Amelio (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional), Ana Fratanduono (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan), and Erika Moriarty (Kutztown, Pa./Kutztown) are the 36th, 37th, and 38th women to win this award in program history.

Congratulations to Kutztown University junior Emma Hope for winning a 2023 PennACE Student of the Year Award. Hope, a psychology major, is the first KU student to win this internship-focused award. As a transfer from Lehigh Carbon Community College, she completed a virtual summer internship at the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.

Kutztown University will have 30 student-athletes representing its baseball program for the 2024 season. Read the season preview online. The Kutztown University baseball team came in ranked No. 5 in the 2024 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Preseason Coaches Poll, as announced by the conference office Thursday afternoon, Jan. 25. It's the highest preseason ranking for the Golden Bears since the 2015 season, where they were also ranked fifth. KU entered last season ranked seventh in the division before head coach Eric Folmar led a 15-win turnaround, winning 26 games, the most since the 2014 season. The Golden Bears finished tied for fourth in the PSAC East, but just missed out on the conference tournament for the first time since 2014 due to a tie breaker. Having only graduated three players, the Golden Bears return the majority of their roster. The Golden Bears kick off the 2024 season Saturday, Feb. 17 with a doubleheader against Mount Olive in North Carolina. The first game is set to start at noon.