Penn State Altoona Athletics announced on Tuesday the hiring of Brian Hein as the next head coach of its NCAA Division III men’s and women’s swimming program as well as the department’s Director of Aquatics.

Hein becomes the sixth coach in the history of Penn State Altoona’s program, succeeding Brad Brooks, who spent the past seven years at the helm. In addition to his coaching duties, Hein will oversee programming for the Adler Natatorium.

He brings over 20 years of experience to Penn State Altoona in managing and developing swim teams. He most recently served as the head swim coach at the State College Area YMCA, and his previous collegiate experience includes stints with Division II programs such as Lock Haven.

Top 10 ranking

UNIVERSITY PARK — The 2025-26 Penn State women’s ice hockey team heads into the season ranked eighth overall by USCHO.com and USA Hockey in their respective preseason polls.

After finishing the 2024-25 campaign with their highest season-end ranking in program history, the Nittany Lions received their highest-ever preseason ranking heading into the 2025-26 season. Penn State is also the only AHA team to be ranked in the preseason polls, with Mercyhurst receiving votes in the USCHO.com poll.

The 2024-25 Nittany Lions had a historic season, winning 31 games, the most in program history.