Newkirk recently completed her first season as associate head coach after joining the Penn State staff as an assistant coach for the 2022-23 season.
In her four years with the Nittany Lions, Newkirk has helped lead the Blue & White to the program’s first Frozen Four this past season, four AHA Regular Season and Tournament Championships and a program-record 33 victories during the 2025-26 campaign.
The Penn State offense has been especially effective under Newkirk’s guidance. This past season, the Nittany Lions set single-season records with 165 goals, 252 assists, 417 points and 34 powerplay goals.
Newkirk’s mentorship of Tessa Janecke helped Penn State’s captain become the most decorated player in program history. Penn State’s all-time leading scorer became the program’s first Top-Three Finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award and CCM/AHCA First Team All-American last season. She was also a three-time Top-10 Finalist for the Patty Kaz, three-time AHA Player and Forward of the Year and 2022-23 CHA Rookie of the Year.
Newkirk also helped mentor Grace Outwater, who shined in her sophomore season, earning the distinction of AHA Scoring Champion with 31 points in conference play. She finished the season with 40 points on 24 goals and 16 assists.
Other forwards who benefitted from Newkirk’s tutelage include All-AHA selections Maddy Christian, Katelyn Roberts and Mikah Keller.
