Built on 60 years of legacy
Our Mission
Teammates For Life is fueled by a powerful mission: To elevate the visibility, support, and impact of women’s athletics at Penn State.
Teammates For Life raises incremental scholarship funds through the TFL Fund to recruit and retain elite women student-athletes. Once on campus, TFL connects those student-athletes with our vast alumnae network for mentorship, career guidance, and team support. As a result, TFL empowers our student-athletes to build confidence during their college years and transition seamlessly into life beyond athletics.
Char Morett Curtiss
Founder. Coach. Teammate.
As I looked forward to life after coaching, it became immediately clear that I wanted my next chapter to be about helping to CREATE the same strong bonds for today’s women student-athletes that I was so fortunate to experience at Penn State; and to ensure their success far beyond their time here on campus.
Char is the driving force and spokesperson behind Teammates For Life. Recently retired, Char is the longest tenured Penn State field hockey coach, three-time All-American Penn State field hockey player, 1984 Olympic bronze medalist and USA Women’s National Team member.
Three words. One mission.
The TFL Framework
Engage
Connect current student-athletes with 6,000+ alumnae through events, networking, and community. The locker room never closes.
Elevate
Pair student-athletes with internship hosts and alumnae mentors who have walked the same path.
Celebrate
Mark the wins — on the field and beyond — as we build life-long, enriching bonds across generations of Penn Staters.
Leadership that believes
The Voices Behind TFL
Char Morett Curtiss
TFL Founder · Retired Penn State Field Hockey Coach · 3× All-American Penn State Field Hockey Player · 1984 Olympian
Through Teammates For Life, we are committed to delivering the best student-athlete experience in the country. We aim to position Penn State as home to THE most prominent, supportive and successful collegiate women's athletic department.
Dr. Neeli Bendapudi
22nd President of Penn State · Honorary Board Member
Teammates For Life will reinforce the lifelong success of our female student-athletes by harnessing the incredible power of the University's global alumni network and the critical importance of community, mentorship, and women supporting women.
6,000+
Alumnae Athletes
14
Women's Varsity Teams
$350K
Raised Toward $1M Goal
60+
Years of Legacy
Six ways TFL shows up for our teammates
Our Programs
Student-Athlete Mentorship
Structured pairing of athletes with alumnae mentors across industries
PowHER Hour Networking
On-campus events connecting athletes with professional alumnae
PowHER Panel Speaker Series
Structured panels of alumnae speakers across career fields
Career-Focused Internships
Alumnae-hosted placements tailored to athlete schedules
Evenings of Excellence
Flagship alumni gatherings in cities across the country
Champions Circle
Executive leadership support for coaches of women's teams
Ready to stand with TFL?
We are dedicated to growing this passionate and dedicated Penn State women’s community in numbers, enthusiasm, and impact, ensuring lasting friendships, teammates and difference-makers for life.
Please explore our events, volunteer as a mentor, make a gift, or partner with us.