🏆 From Small Town To Big10 Director

Small Town PA to State College

Bryce is from Emporium, PA, a small town with a population of around 1,800 people and just one hour and 45 minutes north of State College, the home of Penn State. He developed a passion for sports early, particularly baseball. He attended Lock Haven University, initially pursuing baseball, but ended up focusing on his studies in Sports Administration and Sport and Exercise Psychology. Discovering a fascination for sports psychology during an elective course, Bryce shifted focus and secured an internship under Dr. Carl Ohlson at Penn State in Performance Psychology, setting the stage for his career in Penn State Athletics. 

Transitioning from his internship, Bryce’s experience within Penn State's Performance Psychology Department led him to his role as Fuel Station Manager for Penn State football. Collaborating closely with the team dietitian, Bryce ensured that the nutritional needs of the athletes were met, both at the facility and during game days at the stadium. In his current role, Bryce oversees the ordering and distributing of products to Penn State’s 11 fuel station locations, supporting over 800 PSU athletes. He also assists with budgeting, reporting product usage, processing invoice payments, and tracking inventory while helping manage the interns in the department.

Continuous Improvement and Learning from Experts

“All successful people I have worked with are constantly trying to better themselves professionally and personally,” Bryce notes. Exploring various subjects with a deep curiosity is essential for growth and understanding the underlying reasons behind your actions. He values attention to detail, recognizing that achieving excellence often requires meticulous execution in minor aspects. Transitioning from his background in Sport Psychology to Performance Nutrition was a significant leap, exposing him to a field where his initial knowledge was limited. Bryce notes, “Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone. You need to have the ability to evolve and turn into new versions of yourself. Sometimes, that means stepping away from what you are comfortable and familiar with.” 

Throughout his career journey, Bryce actively seeks knowledge by engaging experts asking detailed questions about product choices and nutritional strategies. When addressing student-athlete questions, he prioritizes accuracy by consulting dietitians to ensure they receive precise, tailored information. 

Self-Drive, Passion, & Effective Communication

Working at the highest level of college sports demands immense self-drive and a genuine passion. Early mornings and late nights are the norm, as student-athletes and staff are constantly active on campus. Bryce emphasizes that inner drive is crucial for career growth in sports—there are no days off. “You need relentless dedication and a commitment to daily improvement to succeed in this fast-paced and demanding environment.”

College athletics has evolved rapidly in recent years, increasing the demand for high-level service to athletes, teams, staff, and the university. To join one of the most successful athletic departments in college sports, Bryce highlights the importance of finding people who are passionate about their work and fit well into the program. “You need to be able to adapt and communicate effectively based on who you are around.” Bryce's day-to-day involves managing multiple teams with different perspectives, goals, and expectations, especially on the Olympic side. Those who excel can navigate this complex landscape and develop meaningful, productive relationships.

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