60 years in the making
Our Story
From the first varsity competition in 1964 to a movement connecting 6,000+ women across generations — this is the story of Teammates For Life.
The Legacy
Few universities in the world can boast an athletic tradition as strong and proud as Penn State. Our advancement of women’s sports goes back more than half a century to the first varsity competition in 1964.
In 1972, when Title IX prompted many universities to create women’s programs for the first time, Penn State already had nine varsity women’s teams.
1964
First Penn State women's varsity competition
1972
Title IX — Penn State already had 9 women's teams
1987
Char Morett Curtiss returns as Field Hockey head coach
2022
Char retires after 39 years — a new chapter begins
Since then, Penn State’s tradition of excellence has continued with record-breaking competitive success that also extends into the classrooms.
22
Team National Championships
13
Coed National Championships
28
Individual National Championships
990
All-Americans
17
National Coaches of the Year
1
Hall of Fame Member
92
Academic All-Americans
7
Academic All-Americans of the Year
The Founding
In 2023, the Penn State Women’s Athletics community came together to create a uniquely-Penn State initiative grounded in the value and importance of relationships. The first-of-its-kind endeavor – appropriately named Teammates For Life – connects Penn State’s current female student-athletes to its vast alumnae network.
May 2023
TFL officially launches at Penn State
President Neeli Bendapudi joins as Honorary Board Member
2023–2024
First Evenings of Excellence
NYC, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh — the movement goes national
April 2024
1st Annual Golf Outing and Luncheon
Penn State Blue Course – featured keynote by PSU alum Caroline Fitzgerald, nationally-recognized host of the podcast “The Business Case for Women’s Sports”
I came to Penn State as a student-athlete in 1975, then returned in 1987 as head coach, and never left. All of the opportunities I’ve enjoyed can be traced back to my Penn State roots.
Dr. Neeli Bendapudi
22nd President of Penn State · Honorary Board Member
Penn State is fully committed to supporting our student-athletes on and off the field, and 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.
The Momentum
Since its founding in 2023, Teammates For Life has become a difference-maker for recruiting, mentoring, job placement and fundraising. The movement is only growing, creating relationships and translating into success far beyond the field for our women athletes.
$350K
Raised toward $1M
Annual goal
30+
Events in 2026–27
Evenings of Excellence, PowHER Hours, Panels
6,000+
Alumnae network
60+ years · 14 varsity sports
Moments From the Journey
EoE NYC
New York City · September 2024
EoE Philadelphia
Philadelphia · October 2024
EoE Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh · April 2025
Golf Outing
April 2025
Our Mission
Engage. Elevate. Celebrate.
Teammates For Life is transforming the landscape of women’s collegiate athletics by creating meaningful connections that last far beyond graduation. We empower Penn State’s female student-athletes through strategic mentorship, professional development, and a powerful network of accomplished alumnae.
Engage
Building authentic relationships between current student-athletes and successful alumnae across industries, creating a powerful professional network that opens doors.
Elevate
Providing world-class leadership training, career guidance, and personal development programs that prepare student-athletes for success in every arena of life.
Celebrate
Recognizing excellence through signature events like Evenings of Excellence, PowHER Hours, and annual galas that honor the resilience, dedication, and achievements of women in athletics.
Celebrating Excellence
Honoring Champions On and Off the Field
Every achievement deserves recognition. Through exclusive events, awards programs, and community gatherings, we celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of Penn State’s female student-athletes and the alumnae who paved the way.
“Teammates For Life isn’t just about athletics—it’s about building a sisterhood that champions women leaders across every field, from boardrooms to playing fields.”
30+
Annual Events
8
Major Cities
100%
Dedicated
The Story Continues
Ready to Be Part of the Journey? Your Story Starts Here.
Whether you’re a current student-athlete, alumna, or supporter of women’s athletics—there’s a place for you in the Teammates For Life family. Join us in building the future of women’s sports at Penn State.