Meet the Coach: Kris Wilde

Now entering her fourth season as head coach of the Penn State Schuylkill Cross Country and Track & Field programs, Kris Wilde has transformed the teams into conference contenders while building a culture centered on hard work, accountability, and family.

With more than a decade of coaching experience, Wilde took over a program that was just getting started. When she arrived, the men's cross country team consisted of only two student-athletes, and there was no women's team. Today, both programs have grown significantly and have become among the most successful in the PSUAC. Under her leadership, the women's cross country team captured PSUAC Championships in 2022 and 2024, while the men's team claimed back-to-back conference titles in 2023 and 2024.

Wilde's journey into coaching began with a lifelong love for running and the opportunity to share that passion with others.

"My love for the sport and wanting to share that passion with others got me started. Also, it didn't hurt when Bryan Valentine asked me to coach!"

In addition to coaching, Wilde serves as the Administrative Support Assistant for the Nursing and Radiological Sciences programs at Penn State Schuylkill, allowing her to make an impact on students both in and outside of athletics.

For Wilde, coaching is about much more than competition.

"I hope that my impact is so far-reaching that it ignites a spark for them to want to pursue coaching in their future."

She believes success in the classroom often reflects success in athletics.

"When a student-athlete displays success in the classroom, that translates not only to intellectual aptitude, but also to mental toughness, dedication, hard work, time management, discipline, perseverance, and focus."

While conference championships have highlighted her tenure, Wilde says the relationships built within the program are what mean the most.

"We've had fun team outings and dinners, recreational play participating in flag football, volleyball, kickball, ultimate frisbee, and capture the flag. Uhh, laser tag, anyone?"

More than anything, though, she treasures the family atmosphere her teams have created.

"The longevity of the kinship, brotherhood, and sisterhood... the family, really, that we have formed. We are able to keep making more favorite memories because of the lasting bonds that have been formed."

One thing that always makes her smile is the connection she shares with her student-athletes.

"I love the messages they leave on my desk when I'm out of the office... even if it's while I'm just filling my water bottle. All notes find a home on my filing cabinet, bulletin board, or calendar."

Her advice to student-athletes is straightforward.

"You get what you give. If you are willing to give of yourself to your team, your coach, and your workout regime, you will get the reward in your results. On the flipside, if you are not willing to give of yourself... you can't expect to have the reward as a result."

She also reminds athletes to prioritize what she calls the five key needs for success: nutrition, sleep and recovery, hydration, training, and mental health.

"And of course... STRETCH!!!!"

Reflecting on her time at Penn State Schuylkill, Wilde is grateful for the people who have made the journey so meaningful.

"Since day one, I have been blessed to be at the helm of these amazing, diverse, and highly entertaining Cross Country and Track & Field teams. I am also grateful to have created lifelong relationships and friendships with so many other coaches, staff, and student-athletes here at Penn State Schuylkill."

Whether celebrating conference championships, watching athletes achieve personal bests, or building lifelong relationships, Coach Kris Wilde continues to make a lasting impact on Penn State Schuylkill Athletics—one runner, one race, and one season at a time.