Alma Mater- Penn State University, 2009 (B.S.), University of Florida, 2011 (M.S.)

Mary Waechter is a graduate of the Penn State class of 2009 and will take over the head coaching duties of Penn State Harrisburg’s cross country program beginning this fall. Waechter brings a passion for the sport and plenty of experience to Middletown where she will look to build the Lions into North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) title contenders. During her years at University Park, Coach Waechter was a member of Penn State’s Cross Country Club, including a two year stint as the group’s president. She left State College for Gainesville, where she earned her Masters of Science in Sport Management in 2011 and spent a year as a board member of the University of Florida’s Track Club. An avid runner since her days at Camp Hill High School, Coach Waechter has continued to focus on her physical fitness, including time spent as a member of Penn State’s Triathlon Club and a coach at the Nike Green Mountain Running Camp. She stills runs competitively in both cross country and road races. When she isn’t coaching, Waechter likes to take advantage of her free time by gardening, reading, traveling, both nationally and internationally, and spending time with good friends and family.

Coaching Philosophy

“The foundation of my current coaching philosophy has two basic components. First, I believe it is important to regard team members not only as individuals but as student-athletes first and foremost. In order to succeed, I believe it is critical that coaches and athletes work together to foster the best athletic experience possible without sacrificing academic integrity, character or additional individual achievements. Secondly, it is important to me to be able to provide an atmosphere for positive progression and success. This approach lends itself to a balanced focus, where ample attention is given not only to developing runners for success and improvement in competition, personal fitness, and training, but also to promote growth in academics, daily life, and future career paths. While there are many ways to get results, it is the job of the coach and athlete to work together, utilizing input and proactivity, in determining the most optimal strategy for both individual and team success.”