Penn State Beaver Athletics Expands Program: Adds Men’s & Women’s Golf and Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Beginning Fall 2026

MONACA, Pa. – The Penn State Beaver Athletics Department is pleased to announce the addition of four new varsity sports — men’s golf, women’s golf, men’s cross country and women’s cross country — with competition officially beginning in the Fall 2026 academic/athletic season. This expansion underscores the campus’s commitment to providing robust opportunities for student-athletes, strengthening its athletics footprint and enriching campus life and community engagement.

“Today marks an exciting milestone for Penn State Beaver Athletics,” said Andy Kirschner, director of athletics at Penn State Beaver. “By adding men’s and women’s golf and cross country, we are broadening our offerings, elevating the student experience and opening new pathways for talented athletes to join our Rise and Roar family. We believe these programs will enhance our campus vibrancy, promote lifelong fitness and competition and align with our mission of excellence in athletics and academics.”

Each program will begin recruitment now to prepare for the Fall 2026 competition season. The addition brings enhanced opportunities for current and prospective students, builds on the strong athletics culture at Penn State Beaver and positions the institution to compete regionally and nationally.

The decision to add these sports is reflective of several strategic priorities:

• Expanding opportunities for student-athletes across gender equity and program diversity.
• Enhancing campus engagement and athletic identity.
• Strengthening recruitment efforts and student retention through increased athletics involvement.
• Leveraging the beautiful natural terrain of the region for cross country and golf programs.

Coach hiring, team staffing, scheduling and facility support are underway. Prospective student-athletes, alumni and community members are encouraged to stay tuned for further announcements including coach introductions, try-out information and schedule details.

About Penn State Beaver Athletics
Penn State Beaver Athletics offers a competitive, high-quality athletic experience, grounded in the university’s tradition of excellence both in the classroom and on the

field. With the addition of men’s and women’s golf and cross country in Fall 2026, Penn State Beaver reaffirms its commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for student-athletes and serving as a vibrant, inclusive campus that promotes leadership, integrity and lifelong well-being.

For further information, please contact:
Andy Kirschner
Director of Athletics
Penn State Beaver
724-773-3826
ack121@psu.edu
beaverathletics.com