First-ever alumni soccer match comfortably achieves its goal

Twenty-nine former soccer players, encompassing a range of classes from 1999 to 2023, returned to campus Saturday afternoon for Penn College's inaugural soccer alumni match at UPMC Field.

"It was an amazing turnout for our first-ever alumni match and it was great to connect with different generations of players," said Tyler S. Mensch, who coaches the Wildcat men's team. "You could not have asked for better weather and the match was fun-filled all around, with a lot of laughs and some quality soccer. Already looking forward to our next opportunity to host an alumni match!"

The current team won 3-2, despite what Mensch – throwing some good-natured shade on referee Ian T. Scheller, a 2018 business administration: management alumnus in his second year as women's soccer coach – called "some questionable offside calls."

"Some alumni told me they hadn't played soccer since graduation; others play in adult leagues or are coaching currently," said Lori A. Boos, alumni and career engagement manager. "Alumni Relations gave each a small gift for coming back to campus. Some of the older alumni asked if the gift was Aleve!"

The 2023 men's and women's soccer teams are prepping for their opening matches on Sept. 1, and (like all Wildcat Athletics teams) encourage attendance and support from the campus community.