Andy Kirschner Honored With Award

Penn State Beaver's Director of Athletics Andy Kirschner, who is also the Head Softball at Beaver, was named the 2011 United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) – Garth Pleasant Athletic Director of the Year Award.  This prestigious award is given to an Athletic Director who is an important part in helping the organization grow, advance and continue to head in the right direction.  The USCAA National Office and Board of Directors are responsible for choosing the individual whom they feel is most deserving of this award.

When asked what his reactions were when he found out about the award Kirschner replied, "I was very surprised.  I was not expecting it at all.  There are so many respected AD's in the organization that were just as deserving."

Andy has not only put a lot of hard work and time into his job as an Athletic Director but he has also contributed greatly to the USCAA.  He has been the Assistant Tournament Director of the USCAA Men's Division I Basketball championships for the past three years, a member of several ad hoc committees, and has served as co-director and host of the 2010 and 2011 USCAA Softball National Championships.  June of this year he was asked to serve on the USCAA Board of Directors.  His hard work and determination led him to this opportunity.  He is also the Vice President of Championships.

"I work very hard just as most AD's do.  It is nice to be recognized for that hard work," Kirschner said. "I don't think I would have even been considered for such an award if I did not have such a great support system and staff here at Beaver."

The Penn State University Athletic Conference is very proud to have one of their many deserving Director of Athletics to earn such a remarkable award. 

John Fritz, Commissioner of the PSUAC, said about Andy Kirschner, "Receiving the USCAA Athletic Director of the Year is a huge, well deserved honor for Andy and it is a positive reflection on PSU Beaver, the entire PSUAC and Penn State Athletics. The fact that Andy was chosen from over 80 Athletic Directors who represent small colleges throughout the country, is a testament to the fantastic job he does."

Kirschner has been around Athletics for many years from playing, coaching and now being a Director of Athletics.  He believes that his past experience of being a part of athletics from all different angles has helped him get to where he is today.

"Competing in High School and College basketball has taught me hard work and dedication that has really helped me professionally," replied Kirschner.

Before becoming the Director of Athletics at Beaver, he was the interim Assistant Director of Athletics that later turned into a full time position for Andy in 2000. After a few years, Kirschner has offered the position of Director of Athletics in 2003.  He has helped to take Beaver to a higher level and continues to improve the program.

"Andy has been a leader in our conference.  The program he directs at PSU Beaver is a model program largely because of the energy and new prospective Andy brings to PSU Beaver, the PSUAC and now the USCAA. Andy has been instrumental in our transition into the USCAA and has been influential as a tournament director and active committee member.  We are extremely proud of this fine achievement," said Commissioner John Fritz.

The USCAA is proud to have Kirschner be a part of such an honoring award.  They are thankful for his dedication to their organization.

"The USCAA is fortunate to have a leader like Andy Kirschner serving in many functions for our organization.  We are thankful to Penn State Beaver, Dr. Gary Keefer, and especially Mr. Kirschner for all that they have contributed toward the advancement of the USCAA and the betterment of our student athlete's experiences," said Matthew Simms, Associate Director and COO of the USCAA.