Women’s Basketball Returns; Three Teams Move From NJCAA Division III To II
Posted March 19, 2026 at 10:06 amPennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced the addition of a Women’s Basketball program to Black Bear Athletics starting in the 2026-27 academic year, creating opportunities for female student-athletes throughout the region.
The College will also transition its Women’s Basketball, Men’s Basketball, and Women’s Volleyball teams from NJCAA Division III to Division II effective this June. This move allows Penn Highlands to offer athletic scholarships in these programs, enhancing the ability to support student-athletes’ educational and athletic careers.
“With the completion of renovations at our Richland gym and fitness center, Penn Highlands seized the opportunity to reimagine our athletic programs through the lens of student success,” stated Trish Corle, Penn Highlands Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. “Focusing on five programs, and transitioning three to NJCAA Division II competition, allows us to better support and challenge our student-athletes. We are confident they are prepared to compete, grow, and thrive at the NJCAA Division II level.”
Women’s Basketball will make its return to Penn Highlands as an official NJCAA-sanctioned sport for the first time since the program competed for two seasons from 1998-2000, when the team was known as the Cambria County Area Community College Shawnee Cardinals.
Penn Highlands facilitated Women’s Basketball as an NJCAA club team from 2016-18.
The College reinstated its athletics program in 2010 after a nine-year hiatus, with Men’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball being the first teams added. Penn Highlands was a Division III member of the NJCAA for the past 16 years.
The College’s remaining athletic teams, Men’s and Women’s Wrestling and Men’s and Women’s Golf, will continue to compete at the Division III level.
“This transition allows Penn Highlands to better recognize and support the talent, dedication, and success already demonstrated by our student‑athletes,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities & Athletics. “It represents a meaningful step forward in our commitment to competitive excellence, student achievement, and opportunity. The future is bright, the momentum is real, and there has never been a better time to be a Black Bear.”
Prospective student-athletes interested in Women’s Basketball or the College’s other athletic offerings can fill out a form by clicking on the ‘Become a Black Bear’ link on the Black Bear Athletics website.