Sierra "Sal" Kalyan, a proud Penn State Schuylkill alumna, has dedicated the last four years to giving back to her alma mater as a volunteer coach for the softball program. A former player for the team, Sal brings energy, experience, and a strong sense of pride to the field each season.
Her passion for the sport and the campus community led her to step into a coaching role. "I wanted to build our program bigger and better," Sal said. That motivation continues to shape her approach as she works with student-athletes who share the same love for the game.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Sal is focused on two key goals. "We want to build a new softball family and qualify for PSUACs," she shared. For her, success comes not just from wins but from the sense of unity and growth the team experiences together.
Sal values players who bring more than just talent to the field. "I look for someone who's coachable, a team leader, and family-oriented," she said. That emphasis on character and commitment helps create a team culture where everyone supports one another and strives to improve every day.
One of Sal's favorite memories from her softball journey is attending Myrtle Beach Spring Training both as a player and now as a coach. The experience represents the full-circle nature of her role and the deep connection she feels to the program.
Off the field, Sal has a fun side that not everyone sees right away. "I know how to line dance," she laughed, offering a glimpse into the personality that helps her bond with her athletes.
She encourages her players to make the most of every opportunity. "Make it count. Play every play like it's your last one," Sal said. It's advice she lives by and hopes her team carries with them through every inning of the season.
