The football squads in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference can finally take a breath of relief.
That’s because the man that has been terrorizing opposing quarterbacks for the past two seasons, Chambersburg grad Sedrick Vessah, has moved on to bigger and better things. Vessah, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound edge rusher, has traded his red and black uniform from California (Pa.) for the blue and white at Buffalo. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bulls’ opponents in the Mid-American Conference.
Vessah isn’t the only former Trojan we expect to make an impact at the college level this fall. Gwynedd Mercy’s volleyball squad will be looking for Kate Etter to have a big campaign after leading her team in points and kills last season, while Jacob Bassham is aiming to end his PSU Mont Alto golf career with a bang following a junior year where he was named an All-American.
In College Corner this month, we’ll share the exploits of Vessah, Etter, and Bassham, while also shining the spotlight on other college athletes with Chambersburg connections. We’ve counted at least 71 athletes for this list, and we expect it to grow even larger as the season draws closer and more teams release their rosters.
In the months to come, College Corner will shift focus to Waynesboro and Greencastle-Antrim, before circling back to Chambersburg. Are we missing anybody? Additions for College Corner can be sent to Andy Sandrik via email at [email protected].
Football
Sedrick Vessah, Junior, Buffalo
After shining for two years at California (Pa.), Vessah will try his luck at the Division I level at Buffalo.
A 6-foot-4, 230-pound edge rusher, Vessah was an All-PSAC West Second Team selection last fall after competing in 13 games and totaling 52 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, to go along with two pass breakups, 12 QB hurries, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, and four blocked kicks.
With Vessah leading the charge, California posted a 9-4 record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II tourney, which saw the Vulcans fall by a 23-21 score to Frostburg State. In that game, Vessah posted six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and one QB hurry.
Now, Vessah will be counted on to provide a boost for a Buffalo squad that finished 5-7 last season and did not play in a bowl game.
The Bulls kick off their season on Thursday, Sept. 3, at home against Albany.
Grant Hopple, Senior, California (Pa.)
Hopple, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker, will be looking for an uptick in playing time in his senior season for California.
Last fall, Hopple totaled 26 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and one pass breakup.
The Vulcans are set to open their season on Sept. 3, when they host Charleston (W.Va.).
Sheadan Makosy, Senior, Lebanon Valley
Makosy will be looking to wreck opposing offensive linemen and quarterbacks, alike, when he takes the field this fall.
A 6-foot, 250-pound defensive end, Makosy had a strong 2025 campaign, posting 27 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, to go along with three pass breakups and one forced fumble.
With Makosy leading the way, the Dutchmen will be aiming to improve upon last year’s 6-5 season. Lebanon Valley kicks off its schedule on Friday, Sept. 4, with a road game at Franklin & Marshall.
Stanley Lozius, Sophomore, Indiana (Pa.)
Indiana has not yet released its roster for the season, but Lozius is projected to return this fall after competing in spring football.
A 5-foot-10, 204-pound linebacker, Lozius did not see the field for the Crimson Hawks in 2025.
Indiana, coming off a 7-4 campaign, kicks off its season on Thursday, Sept. 3, with a road game at Ashland.
Jermere Jones, Freshman, Shippensburg
After getting a taste of the college game at Seton Hill, Jones has taken his talents closer to home at Shippensburg.
A 6-foot-4, 215-pound tight end, Jones played in 10 games last season and hauled in eight catches for 144 yards and a TD.
Jones will be looking to help a Raiders team that went 3-8 in 2025. Shippensburg kicks off its season with a home game against Lock Haven on Saturday, Aug. 29.
Isaiah Tasker, Freshman, Shippensburg
Following a sharp career for the Trojans, Tasker will be trying to make an impact in his first season for the Raiders.
A 6-foot-1, 185-pound linebacker, Tasker earned three varsity letters in his time at Chambersburg, a span that saw him pile up 190 tackles and six TDs. Last season he was named to the Mid-Penn Commonwealth Second Team on defense.
Jayden Jones, Senior, Salisbury
We are still waiting for Salisbury to release its roster for the 2026 season, to confirm the return of Jones.
A 6-foot-1, 196-pound defensive back, Jones saw action in eight games last fall and totaled 11 tackles, one interception, and two pass breakups.
The Seagulls, coming off a season that saw them go 10-2 and advance to the third round of the NCAA Division III Championships, open their campaign on Saturday, Sept. 12, with a home game against McDaniel.
Lucas Lohman, Senior, Grove City
Lohman is grinding away at practice to earn more playing time for Grove City this fall.
A 5-foot-10, 225-pound fullback, Lohman saw the field in five games last season and recorded no stats.
The Wolverines, coming off an 8-3 campaign, open their season on Saturday, Sept. 5, with a home game against Cortland.
Drew Pinkerton, Senior, Waynesburg
Pinkerton is set to reprise his role as Waynesburg’s starting kicker.
The 6-foot, 175-pound Pinkerton was productive for the Yellow Jackets, ranking second on the team with 37 points scored. He converted 3 of 7 field goals and was knocked in 28 of 30 extra-point attempts. On kickoffs, he averaged 56.4 yards per kick.
Waynesburg, which went 4-6 last season, opens its campaign on Sept. 5 with a home game against Capital.
Patrick Demory, Senior, Waynesburg
After appearing in one game last season, Demory will be fighting for an uptick in playing time this fall.
He is listed as a 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive lineman.
Kevin Demory, Freshman, Waynesburg
Demory, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound offensive lineman, is ready to learn the ropes at the collegiate level.
Brady Deneen, Junior, Mansfield
Following an active 2025 campaign, Deneen will be aiming to be more of a key player for Mansfield’s sprint football team when it kicks off this fall.
A 5-foot-9 running back, Deneen played in eight games for the Mounties last season and caught three passes for 41 yards and two TDs and rushed 10 times for 23 yards.
Mansfield, which played to a 6-2 record last fall, opens its season on Saturday, Sept. 19, for a road game at Cornell.
Jason Chambers, Sophomore, Ithaca College
Chambers, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound defensive back, is battling for playing time for an Ithaca squad that went 8-2 last season.
Chambers did not see the field as a freshman.
The Bombers open their season on Saturday, Sept. 5, with a road game at nationally-ranked Johns Hopkins.
Imari Watson, Sophomore, Westminster College
After showing potential carrying the ball last season, Watson has officially made the position change from wide receiver to running back.
The 5-foot-6, 160-pound Watson appeared in four games last fall and toted the ball six times for 69 yards, an average of 11.5 yards per carry.
The Titans, who went 8-3 last season, kick off their campaign on Thursday, Sept. 3, with a road game at Marietta.
Nick Pompeii, Freshman, Westminster College
Pompeii, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound outside linebacker, is set to get his first taste of the college game.
Raymond Williams, Freshman, Westminster College
Williams, a 5-foot-10, 195-pound defensive end, will be battling for playing time this fall.
Trever Luther, Sophomore, Randolph-Macon
Randolph-Macon has not yet released its roster, but the 5-foot-11 Luther is projected to return following a brilliant freshman season as the Yellow Jackets’ starting kicker.
He was 6 of 6 on field goals, with a long of 38 yards, and converted 34 of 36 extra points.
With the help of Luther, Randolph-Macon went 9-2 last fall.
The Yellow Jackets kick off their season on Friday, Sept. 4, with a road game at Dickinson.
Brycen Murray, Freshman, Washington & Jefferson
Murray has made it on the roster for Washington & Jefferson, a squad that went 8-3 last fall.
Murray is listed as a 5-foot-10, 145-pound wide receiver.
The Presidents kick off their season on Sept. 5 with a road game at Utica.
Shonathan Desena, Junior, Bethany College
With 17 games under his belt as an underclassman, Desena should be in contention for a starting position this fall.
Desena is listed as a 6-foot-3, 280-pound offensive lineman.
Bethany, which went 1-9 last fall, opens its season on Sept. 5 at Sewanee.
James Lilley, R-Senior, Long Island
After seeing limited time in a stint at Saint Francis, Lilley has transferred to Long Island.
A 6-foot-3 tight end, Lilley will be aiming to be an impact player for a Sharks squad that went 6-6 last season.
Long Island opens its season on Thursday, Aug. 27, with a road game at North Dakota.
Volleyball
Kate Etter, Senior, Gwynedd Mercy
Gwynedd Mercy will be shoving in all its chips on Etter — the Griffins’ stat leader in points (340) and kills (297) last season — to guide her team to a winning campaign this fall.
Etter, a 5-foot-4 pin hitter/defensive specialist, also ranked third on Gwynedd Mercy in aces (29), digs (217), and blocks (25).
The Griffins, who went 8-16 last season, tip off their season on Sept. 1 with a road match at Ursinus College.
Cara Bratthauar, Senior, Alfred
With Bratthaur returning for her senior year to patrol the net, Alfred will be aiming for improvement this fall.
A 6-foot middle blocker, Bratthaur started in all 30 matches for the Saxons last fall and led her team with 60 blocks while also totaling 152.5 points, 117 kills, 18 digs, and three assists.
Alfred, a squad that went 12-18 last season, kicks off its campaign on Friday, Sept. 4, at the SUNY Morrisville Invitational.
Olivia Heidrich, Junior, Wilson
Heidrich, a 5-foot defensive specialist, will be competing for an uptick in playing time after appearing in three matches last fall.
Wilson will be aiming for improvement this season after going 2-21 in 2025. The Phoenix kick off their season on Saturday, Sept. 5, with home games against PSU Berks and Goucher College.
Riley Cramer, Freshman, Wilson
Cramer, a 6-foot middle blocker/opposite hitter, will test out her volleyball skills at the college level this fall. She is coming off a senior season for Chambersburg that saw her total 72 kills, 43 blocks, and 14 digs.
Alayna Jones, Sophomore, California (Pa.)
After getting a taste of the college game as a freshman, Jones is ready to take the next step as a sophomore.
A 5-foot-8 outside hitter/defensive specialist, Jones appeared in 17 matches for California (Pa.) last season, including four starts, and totaled 36.5 points, 33 kills, 20 digs, and seven blocks.
The Vulcans, who went 19-11 last fall, kick off their season on Saturday, Aug. 28, with a road match at Findlay (Ohio).
Riley Evans, Sophomore, California (Pa.)
Evans, a 6-foot-2 middle hitter/right side player, will be aiming for more playing time this season after appearing in 13 matches last fall and totaling 12 points, nine kills, one assist, and six blocks.
Addilyn Kegerreis, Sophomore, Rollins
Kegerreis, a Chambersburg native who spent her senior season at The Baylor School, is back for Rollins after garnering some valuable on-the-court experience last fall.
A 6-foot-2 outside hitter/right side player, Kegerreis competed in 17 matches last season and in 29 sets of work she racked up 32.5 points, 25 kills, three assists, 14 digs, and 15 blocks.
The Tars, coming off a 16-17 season, open their campaign on Aug. 28 when they host the Rollins College Invitational.
Nizaya Hawkins, Freshman, Shippensburg
Hawkins, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker, will be looking to make an impact at the college level after a standout senior season at Chambersburg.
She was named a Mid-Penn Commonwealth Third Team All-Star last fall after recording 128 kills, 30 aces, 64 blocks, 108 digs, and eight assists.
Hawkins will be competing for playing time on a Shippensburg squad that went 20-9 last season. The Raiders kick off their campaign on Thursday, Aug. 27, with a road game at Clarion.
Terri Williams, Junior, PSU Mont Alto
Williams, a Chambersburg native who went to North Hagerstown, will give college volleyball a try this fall.
A 5-foot-5 outside hitter, Williams doubles as a player for Mont Alto’s softball squad.
The Lions, coming off a 12-12 season, open their campaign on Sept. 5 with a road match at PSU Scranton.
Haylee Williams, Graduate, PSU Mont Alto
Williams, a North Hagerstown grad from Chambersburg, will be on the volleyball court this fall after competing for Mont Alto’s softball squad last spring.
Williams is listed on the Lions’ roster as a 5-foot-4 outside hitter.
Layne Rydbom, Junior, PSU Mont Alto
Rydbom, a 5-foot-5 defensive specialist, will be looking to make an impact for Mont Altoin her first season of college volleyball.
Soccer
Aubrey Pyne, Senior, Gannon
Pyne is set to return for her senior season after helping to guide Gannon on a postseason journey that lasted all the way to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Second Round.
A 5-foot-4 midfielder/forward, Pyne appeared in 15 games last season, totaling two goals and three assists in 333 minutes of playing time.
Gannon, which went 16-3-2 last year, kicks off its campaign on Aug. 30 with a home game against Seton Hill.
Lily Cornwell, Junior, Jacksonville State
The season is already underway for Cornwell and the Gamecocks.
A 5-foot-3 midfielder, Cornwell has appeared in one of two games for Jacksonville State this fall, accumulating 15 minutes of playing time. She’s coming off a 2025 campaign that saw her compete in 14 games, including two starts, and score a goal.
The Gamecocks (0-1-1) return to the field on Thursday, Aug. 27, for a road game at Samford.
Emily Vanpelt, Sophomore, PSU Mont Alto
Vanpelt, a Chambersburg native who went to Shalom Christian, is set to return for Mont Alto after helping to push the Lions deep into the postseason as a freshman.
A 5-foot-4 defender, Vanpelt played in 16 games last fall, including seven starts. She notched four assists and was a key cog for a defense that allowed 1.44 goals per game.
With Vanpelt back in the lineup, Mont Alto will be aiming to improve a 2025 campaign that saw the Lions go 11-8 and qualify for the pool play round of the USCAA Division II National Championship.
Drew Cover, Junior, Hartwick College
We are waiting for the release of Hartwick’s roster to confirm the return of Cover, a goalkeeper.
He competed in four games last fall, including three starts, and posted a 1-2 record. In 343 minutes of playing time, Cover allowed nine goals (2.36 goals against average) and recorded eight saves.
The Hawks, who went 5-10-2 last season, open their campaign on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with a road game at SUNY-Delhi.
Carly Cook, Junior, Marywood College
Marywood College has not yet released its roster for the fall season, so we are waiting to see if Cook returns to the team for her junior year.
A 5-foot-2 forward, Cook saw action in three games for the Pacers in 2025.
Marywood, coming off a 16-2 season, returns to the field on Tuesday, Sept. 1, for a road game at PSU Altoona.
Madelyn Koons, Freshman, Wilson
Koons is set to compete in her first season of college soccer.
She is listed as a 5-foot-2 midfielder.
Wilson went 7-10-3 last fall, and kicks off its season on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with a road game at Gwynedd Mercy.
Adan Barrientos, Freshman, Wilson
Wilson will be counting on Barrientos, a midfielder, to provide a boost following a 2025 campaign that saw the Phoenix go 3-10-5.
Wilson begins play on Wednesday, Sept. 2, with a road game at Bridgewater College.
Kaitlyn Moser, Sophomore, Lebanon Valley
Moser, a 5-foot-8 goalkeeper, will be seeking her first collegiate minutes this fall.
Lebanon Valley, which went 13-4-2 last season, open their campaign on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with a road game at Moravian.
Katy Weller, Freshman, Batten
Weller, a 5-foot-5 defender/forward, is set to compete for playing time at the collegiate level.
She will be aiming to assist a Batten squad that went 15-4-3 last season.
The Marlins open their campaign on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with a home game against Regent.
FIELD HOCKEY
Finley Vandevander, Junior, Wilson
Wilson’s fall roster is not yet available, so it will take some time to confirm the return of Vandevander.
She played in 13 games last fall, including one start, and in 335 minutes she totaled two goals and a defensive save.
The Phoenix, who went 5-10 last season, open on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with a home game against Sweet Briar College.
Morgan Smith, Junior, Mercyhurst
After seeing part-time action in 2025, Smith is angling for an uptick in playing time this fall.
A 5-foot-5 forward, Smith appeared in five games last season.
Mercyhurst, coming off a 2-15 campaign, opens its schedule on Aug. 28 with a road game at Lock Haven.
Jaxin Frazer, Freshman, Queens University of Charlotte
Frazer will be looking to make an impact at the college level following a career at Chambersburg that saw her get honored twice as a Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division First Team All-Star.
Listed as a 5-foot-2 forward/midfielder, Frazer will be counted on to provide a boost for a Royals squad that went 4-13 last fall.
Queens opens its season on Friday, Aug. 28, with a road game at the University of Richmond.
Golf
Jacob Bassham, Senior, PSU Mont Alto
Bassham is looking to go out on a bang this fall after being named a Second Team USCAA All-American and PSUAC All-Conference in 2025.
He earned these honors by shooting a 77-76-153 to take 11th at the USCAA/PSUAC Championship. Bassham individually won two invites last season, and led his team to four victories and two runner-up finishes in six events.
Mont Alto tees off its season on Sept. 3 at PSUAC Invitational.
Jeremy Otto, Junior, Elizabethtown
We are waiting for Elizabethtown to release its roster, to confirm the return of Otto.
He was a key starter in the lineup last fall, competing in seven events and landing two top-10 finishes. With Otto’s contributions, the Blue Jays earned three top-three team finishes in 2025.
The Blue Jays open their season on Tuesday, Sept. 8, when they host the Elizabethtown Fall Invitational.
Emily Rensch, Sophomore, Siena
Following a busy and successful freshman season, Rensch is ready to take the next step this fall.
She competed in eight tournaments over the fall and spring campaigns and recorded four top-25 finishes while carrying an 82.4 adjusted scoring average. Rensch recorded a season-low three-round total of 233 at the MAAC Championships with rounds of 80-80-73.
Siena opens its season on Sept. 12 at the Crosstown Challenge at Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland, N.Y.
Emma Tolbert, Junior, Bloomsburg
Tolbert, who owns two career top-10 finishes and a 94.1 scoring average, is set to play her upperclassman seasons for Bloomsburg.
The Huskies have not yet announced their fall schedule.
Tennis
Ava Kalist, Senior, Shippensburg
Kalist, an experienced player in both the singles and doubles flights, is set to return for her senior season.
Last fall she went 6-7 in doubles, primarily at No. 2, and posted a 5-6 record in singles, most frequently at No. 6.
The Raiders will be seeking improvement from a 7-12 campaign in 2025. Shippensburg opens its season on Saturday, Sept. 12, with a road match at California (Pa.).
Nathan Heimbach, Junior, Millersville
Heimbach has made the tennis roster at Millersville and is eager to make his collegiate debut.
His experience in the sport includes three varsity letters at Chambersburg.
The Marauders open their season on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with a road match at Franklin and Marshall.
Cross Country
Camy Kiser, Senior, Pittsburgh
The Panthers have yet to release their roster for the 2026 season, but we expect Kiser to make her return.
She was a key component in the Pittsburgh lineup last fall, and concluded her season with a 62nd-place finish in 20:41 at the ACC Championships and 44th-place showing in 21:05 at the NCAA Division I Mid-Atlantic Region Championships. Both races were 6Ks, a distance that saw her run a PR time of 20:18 at the Paul Short Run.
The season is set to kick off for Pittsburgh on Friday, Sept. 4, when it hosts the Panther Open.
Emma Armstrong, Senior, Millersville
Armstrong is back for her senior season following a junior campaign that saw her qualify for the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Championships.
At those region championships, Armstrong registered a 6K PR of 23:53 for 100th place. She also competed at the PSAC Championships, taking 80th in 25:03.
Millersville kicks off its season on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Lebanon Valley Dutchmen Invitational.
Lexi Boyd, Junior, Shippensburg
After two years at Saint Joseph’s, Boyd has transferred closer to home at Shippensburg.
She has seven collegiate meets under her belt and owns solid PRs in the 5K (19:42.8) and 8K (23:06.9).
The Raiders kick off their season on Friday, Sept. 4, when they host the Galen Piper Cross Country Challenge.
Julian Clark, Freshman, Shippensburg
Following a brilliant high school career at Chambersburg that saw Clark qualify three times for the PIAA Championships, and place third his senior year, he takes his talents to Shippensburg.
Liam Kirkpatrick, Sophomore, Duquesne
Kirkpatrick is back for a second year of collegiate cross country after having a sharp showing in the postseason last fall.
He qualified for the Atlantic 10 Championships in 2025, an 8K that saw him take 79th in 25:50. Kirkpatrick advanced to the NCAA Division I Mid-Atlantic Region Championships, where he posted a 10K PR of 32:39 for 140th place.
Duquesne opens its season on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Saint Francis University Father Bede Invitational.
Ben Colli, Graduate, Duquesne
Colli missed his senior season of cross country, but is expected to run this fall after competing in track last spring.
Colli has cross country PRs of 26:03.1 for 8K and 33:49.0 for 10K.
Kaden Rife, Sophomore, Washington and Lee
After racking up some valuable experience as a freshman, Rife is back to compete for Washington and Lee once again this fall.
He competed in four races for the Generals and recorded a collegiate 8K PR of 27:01 at the NCAA DIII National Preview. Rife also competed at the ODAC Championships, where he placed 54th in 28:35.
Washington and Lee opens its campaign on Sept. 4 at the Virginia Tech Invitational.
Dominick Onomastico, Sophomore, Gannon
Onomastico is back for his sophomore season after experiencing plenty of success in his first year of college cross country.
He ran six events last season and posted an 8K PR of 27:34 at the Highlander Invitational. Onomastico later competed at the PSAC Championships and finished 94th in 27:49.
Gannon opens its season on Sept. 5 at the Doug Watts Open, hosted by Edinboro.
Samuel Kinton, Freshman, Dickinson
Kinton is set to run for Dickinson this fall.
The Red Devils kick off their season Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Little Three Championships.
Ella Beynon, Freshman, Saint Francis
Beynon has taken her running talents from Chambersburg to Saint Francis.
The Red Flash open their season on Sept. 5 when they host the Father Bede Invitational.
Ellianna Rife, Freshman, Regent
Rife will test her skills at the college level this fall.
Regent opens its season on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Salisbury Fall Classic.
Cheerleading
Jayleigh Drake, Junior, Appalachian State
We are waiting for the release of Appalachian State’s roster to confirm the return of Drake, who competed as an All-Girl Base last season.
Drue Delph, Senior, Shippensburg
Delph will compete as a flyer for Shippensburg this fall.
Anna Hubler, Junior, Shippensburg
Hubler is set to assist the Raiders from her base position this season.
Valaree Nunemaker, Freshman, Shippensburg
Nunemaker, a flyer, has made it on to Shippensburg’s roster.
Makenzie Peters, Sophomore, Shippensburg
Peters will take on the base role for the Raiders this fall.
Kaylee Smith, Junior, Shippensburg
Smith will fill the back position for Shippensburg in 2026.
Ryelee Stull, Sophomore, Shippensburg
Stull is ready to compete as a base for the Raiders this season.
McKenna Myers, Sophomore, Florida Gulf Coast
Florida Gulf Coast has not yet released its cheer roster, so it will take some time to confirm Myers’ return to the squad.
Bowling
Katy McNemar, Junior, Saint Anselm
Saint Anselm hasn’t released its bowling roster yet, but we expect McNemar to return after serving as one of the team’s top performers last season.
McNemar was twice honored on the East Coast Conference Weekly Honor Roll in 2025.
Malia Briggs, Freshman, Tulane
Briggs brings her talents, and her brand, to Tulane.
Not only is Briggs a 2024 Pennsylvania High School Girls State Champion and a 2025 third-place finisher, she is also a highly-accomplished content creator on YouTube, where she has more than 363,000 subscribers.
The Green Wave open their season on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the SWIBC I in Fort Worth, Texas.
