Penn State Shenango is proud to announce the hiring of Markee Juranovich as the inaugural Head Women's Softball Coach. Juranovich, a highly respected coach with a deep passion for the game and community, will lead the newly established program into its first season, beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.
 
“I’m very excited to jump into this new adventure at Penn State Shenango,” said Juranovich. “Softball has always been so important to me and so has giving back to the community. Launching a new athletics program in the heart of downtown Sharon is a wonderful way to honor both of those loves. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together. We Are!”
 
For the 2026 season, the team will be an independent member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) but will transition to the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) the following year. The team will practice and play home competitions at the Hermitage Athletic Complex, located at 750 S Darby Road in Hermitge.
 
Juranovich brings a wealth of experience to the program, having worked with athletes at various levels and fostering strong team dynamics.
 
“The first season is all about building a foundation for the future,” said Juranovich. “Our focus will be creating a winning culture on and off of the field. Softball, like every sport, is not only about developing players but developing young people to be the best that they can be in all aspects of their lives.”
 
Penn State Shenango Athletic Director Brandon Padgett expressed his enthusiasm for the hire.
 
“Markee’s love for, and knowledge of the game, produces a passion and drive in her that is exactly what we were looking for in this position. We are excited to work side by side with her and her staff to provide a high-quality, student-athlete focused experience for everyone that joins our softball program, as we do for all of our athletic teams on campus.”
 
With the addition of softball, Penn State Shenango now offers seven intercollegiate varsity sports including baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, and women’s volleyball. Students interested in learning more about Shenango Athletics can visit our website and click the ‘Recruit Me’ options under the Men’s and Women’s Sports tabs.