Pau Pumarola Takes Long, Winding Road to Arrive at Penn State Schuylkill

Story courtesy of Penn State Schuylkill athletics.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. - Penn State Schuylkill Men’s Basketball starting forward Pau Pumarola took a long journey to get to where he is today. Originally from Spain, Pumarola made stops in Florida and North Carolina before finding a home at Penn State Schuylkill, where he heavily involved throughout the campus participating in multiple sports as well as having multiple campus jobs and responsibilities.

Pumarola grew up as a soccer player and made the transition to playing basketball at the age of 14. “Soccer was my life, but I felt I needed a change,” said Pumarola. “I practiced and watched basketball before. I was tall and my little brother was playing competitive basketball, so I decided to give it a try.”

With only a year of basketball experience under his belt, Pumarola quickly began competing at the highest basketball level in Spain for his age group. Pumarola then went on to attend a summer basketball camp at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Impressed with his play, IMG offered Pumarola a roster spot. Pumarola spent an additional year in Spain before accepting IMG’s offer and making the jump to America full-time.

“When I turned 16 in 2018, I decided to take a leap of faith and leave my loved ones behind to pursue this opportunity,” said Pumarola.

“The first semester was difficult, as I struggled to adapt to the language and cultural differences and the demanding academic and athletic schedules,” continued Pumarola. “However, I learned a lot from this experience and became more disciplined and committed. The second semester went much better, as I made new friends and enjoyed the many activities and events at IMG Academy.”

Pumarola spent two years at IMG, graduating in 2020 in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pumarola enrolled in Catawba College in North Carolina before transferring to Penn State Schuylkill in 2022.

“I chose Penn State Schuylkill for several reasons, including the small campus, great basketball program, the opportunity to earn a Penn State degree, and its proximity to New York City which I enjoy visiting. It's also cheaper and easier for me to travel here from Barcelona.”

Pumarola wasted no time getting accustomed to life at Penn State Schuylkill, as he is heavily involved throughout the campus.

“Penn State Schuylkill offers a wide range of opportunities for involvement despite being a small campus,” said Pumarola. “I had the chance to work at the school cafeteria, and I am still employed there. I am part of the Co-Op program, which is an excellent and innovative way to prepare for the real world. I joined the basketball team, which was one of the reasons I transferred to this school. Additionally, I am part of the golf team. I am eagerly looking forward to next year when the athletic department will launch the soccer and volleyball teams, and I am excited to be a part of them.”

“Penn State Schuylkill, with its diverse range of students, provides me with the opportunity to learn, meet new people, explore new places, and discover new things,” continued Pumarola. “The campus atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, with numerous clubs and organizations dedicated to showcasing their hard work. The staff and professors are open-minded and passionate about helping students achieve their goals.”

Pumarola, who is a Business major with a minor in Psychology, is excited for what his future holds on and off the court.

“There's a sense of purpose to playing that goes beyond just competition,” said Pumarola. “The coaches share a passion with the players to go out and play for what we love. I strongly believe we have a fantastic program, and we've demonstrated that. Looking ahead, I'm thrilled about the upcoming year. The team is hungry, and we want more.”

“I aspire to teach families how to effectively manage their finances and build wealth without sacrificing their time,” continued Pumarola. “My goal is to help people acquire the knowledge and skills needed to make the most of their existing resources, allowing them to enjoy life while building a financially secure future for themselves and their families.”

Pumarola will graduate from Penn State Schuylkill in 2024.