Susquehanna Athletics Internship Program
Susquehanna Athletics Internship Program
Susquehanna's athletics internship program provides added resources to the university's student-athletes and coaching staffs. The program gives recent college graduates from superb athletics programs opportunities to coach at the collegiate level.
The internship program began in the 2006-07 academic year as a pilot program thanks to a gift from John R. Strangfeld ’75 and his wife, Mary Kay, to bolster the success of Susquehanna's 23 varsity sports. The following year, Edward Schmitt ’69 and the university matched the initial funds to expand the program to 13 positions.
The program is currently sustained by the generosity of Susquehanna donors. Learn more about this giving opportunity.
Perspectives on the Program
Pam Samuelson, Susquehanna Director of Athletics
“That first year had such an initial impact in on-field coaching, recruiting, generating applications, increasing the class size and so much more. Those were the visible effects, but these interns also contributed in so many ways that weren’t as visible, including their great connection with our student-athletes because they were closer in age.”
John R. Strangfeld ’75, program founder
“[By] providing an entrée into collegiate coaching, the interns have an opportunity to both learn and make a difference.”
Kathy Kroupa, Head women’s soccer and head softball coach
“Our interns have done a remarkable job in propelling our programs further into the competitive arena. Their work has allowed our programs to progress at an incredibly fast rate. There is a great deal of pride and a sense of accomplishment within our department right now and there is no doubt in my mind that a great deal of that is a result of the addition of this program.”
Justin Makar, former intern with the men’s soccer program and now an assistant coach with Division I Lafayette College
“The internship program was such a great opportunity for me to learn and mature as a young coach. I learned not only from Coach Findlay but from all of the coaches. Recognizing that you can always learn and better your coaching abilities is one of the ideas that I will carry with me throughout my career.”
Matt Blue: Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, Hartford University; Former Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, Lafayette College
Dave Brown: Operations, New Jersey Nets
Anna Cooper: Assistant Director of Sports Information, Ithaca College; Former Assistant Director of Sports Information, University of Delaware
Kate Curran: Head Women’s Track coach, St. Lawrence University
Kaitlyn Elias: Completed master’s degree at Bucknell University, employed by Dan Mehleisen in New York
Jess Foresman: Williamsport YMCA
Andy German: Assistant Lacrosse Coach, Villanova University
Paul Gregorio: Manager of Sports Program, Jewish Community Center (Connecticut)
Kristal Hood: Full-time position working with disabled youths and coaching at the high school level in Maryland
Bob Jazwinski: Assistant Football Coach, Dickinson College
T.J. Jordan: Assistant Basketball Coach, Lehigh University
Jackie Klahold: Head Softball Coach, SUNY Canton
Sam Kszepka: Assistant Softball Coach, Bucknell University; Former Assistant Softball Coach, Norfolk State
Justin Lutes: Assistant Sports Information Director, Stevens Institue of Technology
Justin Makar: Assistant Soccer Coach, Lafayette University
Dan Mehleisen: Defensive Coordinator, USMMA
Greg Miller: Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, St. Lawrence University
Jim Mullaley: Graduate Assistant Coach, Elmira College
Mandy Olley: Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, Bucknell University
Joe Stockton: Assistant Football Coach/Head Men’s & Women’s Track Coach,Campbellsville University
Laura Streets: Assistant Softball Coach, Towson University; Former Assistant Softball Coach, Delaware State
