SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Six fall sports, new faces and big goals headline the 2026 fall season for Penn State Schuylkill Athletics as the Nittany Lions prepare to return to competition.
The fall lineup includes men's and women's cross country, men's soccer, women's soccer, golf and women's volleyball. While several teams will rely on returning standouts, each program also welcomes new athletes or coaches, creating a mix of experience and fresh talent across the department.
Women’s soccer
Women's soccer enters the season with perhaps the biggest goal of all: a third consecutive Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) championship. The Nittany Lions have won back-to-back conference titles and earned a bid to the USCAA National Tournament.
Seven players earned PSUAC First Team honors following the 2025 season, including returning standouts Haley Sypniewski and Olivia Dress. Sypniewski is the reigning PSUAC Defender of the Year and a USCAA First Team All-American, while Dress was named PSUAC Player of the Year, earned USCAA First Team All-American honors and was selected as Penn State Schuylkill's Female Athlete of the Year.
The 20-player roster also includes four incoming freshmen and one transfer. The Nittany Lions will open the season at home against Albright on Sept. 1 at 4 p.m.
Men's soccer
Men's soccer will enter the season with its largest roster in recent history. The 29-player team includes 11 incoming freshmen and six transfers, alongside returning leaders Luke Smith and Mario Ortiz.
The Nittany Lions will look to blend their returning experience with the influx of new talent as they build chemistry and establish their identity. The team opens its season at home against Centenary on Sept. 3 at 4 p.m.
Golf
Golf also enters the season with high expectations, bringing what the program considers its strongest roster in recent history. The 11-player roster includes three incoming freshmen.
Returning standout Cole Yelinek will lead the Nittany Lions after earning Penn State Schuylkill Male Athlete of the Year honors, PSUAC All-Conference recognition and USCAA All-American honors.
The program will focus on establishing a new standard for Penn State Schuylkill golf while continuing to build the team's identity. The season begins Sept. 3, with no home meets scheduled this fall.
Women’s volleyball
Women's volleyball begins a new era with a completely new coaching staff. Noel Kaufman returns to Penn State Schuylkill after building a championship-winning program at Penn State Hazleton. She will be joined by Jeremy Mummey, who brings approximately 36 years of volleyball experience and an emphasis on accountability, communication, competitiveness, growth and team culture.
The 14-player roster includes five incoming freshmen and one transfer. Returning players Amanda Burns and Lyla Kershner will provide experience after strong seasons last year. Burns earned Second Team PSUAC East honors, while Kershner received Honorable Mention recognition in the PSUAC East.
The Nittany Lions open the season Sept. 5 in a tri-match against Penn State York and Penn State Hazleton.
Cross country
Men's and women's cross country will enter the season with a combined roster of 16 athletes, including three incoming freshmen. The program also welcomes Landon Boyle, Matt O. and Gerald Salen as assistant coaches.
Lilley Anderson and Ashton Owens will be among the runners to watch after strong performances at last year's PSUAC Invite. Anderson finished second on the women's side, while Owens placed third on the men's side.
The Nittany Lions will not host a home meet this season and will open competition Sept. 15 at the LVC XC Invite.
Across all six sports, the 2026 fall season represents a combination of continuity and change. Returning championship-caliber athletes will look to build on past success, while new players and coaches will have opportunities to shape the future of their programs.
For schedules, rosters and additional information, visit the Penn State Schuylkill Athletics website. Follow Penn State Schuylkill Athletics on Instagram and TikTok at @psuslathletics for scores, updates, highlights and more throughout the season.