Assistant Director of Athletics for Recruitment and Game Day Operations

Bio

Owen Zimmerman serves as the Coordinator of Game Day Operations and Recruiting at Penn State Schuylkill, where his passion for athletics and student success drives everything he does. A graduate of Hamburg Area High School and Penn State Schuylkill, Owen earned his Bachelor of Science in Business before completing his Master of Science in Sport Management through PennWest.

Owen's connection to Penn State Schuylkill runs deep. Not only was he a student-athlete on campus, but both he and his father have served as assistant coaches for the Nittany Lions baseball program. After completing an internship in corporate America, Owen quickly realized the traditional office environment wasn't the right fit.

"I hated sitting in a cubicle all day every day. So I asked Kayla if I could intern with her since I'm big into sports. It was the best decision I ever made."

That decision led him back to the place that helped shape him. Today, Owen plays a key role in keeping Penn State Schuylkill Athletics running smoothly. From coordinating game-day operations and preparing equipment to assisting with recruiting, campus tours, and countless behind-the-scenes responsibilities, no two days are ever the same.

When asked to describe a typical day, Owen laughed.

"I run around like a chicken with my head cut off making sure all of our teams can function on a game day."

His experience as a student-athlete gives him a unique perspective when recruiting future Nittany Lions. During his playing career, Owen was a two-time USCAA All-American, earned USCAA Player of the Year honors, and still holds multiple Penn State Schuylkill baseball records.

For Owen, recruiting is about more than athletic ability.

"The biggest thing I look for in an athlete is, 'Can I have a conversation with you?' If I can go talk to a kid and hold a nice conversation, I think that shows the character of that person."

One of his favorite memories came during the USCAA Home Run Derby.

"I came prepared with a slow-pitch softball bat and was mashing balls all night long."

Looking ahead, Owen is excited to continue helping Penn State Schuylkill Athletics grow while providing student-athletes with the best possible experience. Whether it's improving game-day operations, supporting coaches, or welcoming future Nittany Lions to campus, he's always looking for ways to make the department stronger.

His advice to current and future student-athletes is simple.

"Don't take these years for granted. Eventually you will be done playing the sport you love and it will sting. Make these years count and cherish every memory."

Owen also wants students to know that his door is always open.

"Students should come to me because I was just in their shoes and I can relate to everyone. If you have a problem or question, I'm sure I had that same problem or question, so don't hesitate to come see me."