Shenango to raise support for new softball program on GivingTuesday

November 14, 2024

SHARON, Pa. - Penn State will celebrate 10 years of GivingTuesday on Dec. 3 - and Penn State Shenango invites alumni and friends to participate in this anniversary milestone by making a gift to support the launch of a softball team, a new athletic opportunity for students.

Penn State's strong network of alumni and community supporters, along with increased interest among prospective students, led to the decision to add a softball program at Shenango. The new program, which will compete as part of the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) of the United State Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), also advances the campus' strategic plan, which calls for increased engagement of current and future students and stronger community relationships across the region.

True to Penn State GivingTuesday tradition, the celebration is kicking off early on Monday, Dec. 2, at 18:55 (6:55 p.m. EST) - a nod to the year in which the University was founded. Those interested in contributing to Shenango's softball program or establishing a personal fundraising page as a campaign advocate can learn more here.

"Establishing a new softball team at Penn State Shenango provides another exciting avenue for student engagement," said Carey McDougall, regional chancellor of Penn State Beaver and Penn State Shenango. "We're looking to build upon the momentum of our expanding athletics department and showcase the pride that our campus and the local community have in Shenango student-athletes."

As part of the softball team's launch, Penn State Shenango administrators, along with representatives from the City of Hermitage and the Hermitage Little League, have announced a partnership establishing the Hermitage Athletic Complex (HAC) as the permanent home of the newly launched Shenango softball program.

The HAC, a 72-acre outdoor recreation complex at 750 S. Darby Road, includes two softball fields, two multipurpose fields, a dek hockey rink, a playground, walking trails and a concession and restroom facility. It is adjacent to the Hermitage Little League facility which includes four baseball fields. Additional amenities are planned at the HAC including nine pickleball courts and additional parking and pedestrian facilities. The enhancements are supported by a recently announced $1.2 million state RACP grant.

"We are excited to provide additional regional recreational opportunities at our beautiful and growing athletic complex," remarked Duane Piccirilli, president of the Hermitage Board of Commissioners. "Hosting the Penn State Shenango Softball program at the HAC is a source of community pride and will bring additional students to campus, while providing another extracurricular opportunity for our local students."

"Our partnership with the Buhl Club for volleyball and basketball facilities, as well as Buhl Park for golf and cross country, has greatly helped us advance our student athlete success, so we're thrilled to also collaborate with the City of Hermitage and the Hermitage Little League to ensure that all of Penn State Shenango's teams compete right here in the Shenango Valley," said Penn State Shenango Director of Student Affairs Andy Puleo. "Having access to multiple dedicated community facilities near our campus allows us to build upon an already strong foundation."

Penn State Shenango Athletics has had fundraising success in recent years, allowing for the introduction of baseball in 2022-23 and cross country in 2023-24.

With the addition of softball, the Shenango campus will now offer seven intercollegiate varsity sports including baseball, men's and women's basketball, cross country, golf and women's volleyball.

Gifts made on GivingTuesday advance the University's historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University's impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.