About Us
Rise Above: Friends of Penn State Adaptive Athletics was established in 2022 by a passionate coalition of alumni, donors, and key stakeholders united by a singular mission: to safeguard and elevate a legacy of excellence. Recognizing that Penn State’s internationally acclaimed Adaptive Athletics program was navigating a critical crossroads—following a three-year pandemic pause and the retirement of visionary founding coach Teri Jordan—this dedicated group stepped forward to champion the program's future.
Operating independently of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA), Rise Above is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our charter is built on collaboration and advocacy. We work hand-in-hand with Adaptive Athletics staff and university administration to revitalize this historic program, providing vital support to Penn State's community of students with disabilities and empowering elite adaptive athletes from across the globe to compete at the highest levels.
The organization is steered by a dynamic Board of Directors representing a diverse array of professional skills, industries, and life experiences. While our backgrounds vary greatly, we are driven by one unwavering, common goal: to establish Penn State as the nation's premier collegiate destination for adaptive sports.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support and elevate Penn State's adaptive athletics program into the nation's premier collegiate destination for elite competition.
We are dedicated to advancing high-quality, inclusive sports by funding student-athlete scholarships, forging community partnerships, and providing unparalleled training resources. Through Rise Above: Friends of Penn State Adaptive Athletics, we empower athletes with physical disabilities to train, compete, and thrive at the highest levels.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support and elevate Penn State's adaptive athletics program into the nation's premier collegiate destination for elite competition.
We are dedicated to advancing high-quality, inclusive sports by funding student-athlete scholarships, forging community partnerships, and providing unparalleled training resources. Through Rise Above: Friends of Penn State Adaptive Athletics, we empower athletes with physical disabilities to train, compete, and thrive at the highest levels.
Our Progress
Just two years ago, the program had no athletes and no coaching staff. Our efforts have enabled:
Rapid Roster Growth: Six adaptive student-athletes are now proudly representing Penn State, bolstered by a 2025 recruiting class that stands as the largest and most elite in the program’s history.
Dedicated Leadership: A full-time head coach and a part-time wheelchair basketball coach now lead daily training, development, and nationwide & international recruitment.
Program Expansion: We successfully launched Penn State's first wheelchair basketball team and hosted the inaugural 2025 wheelchair basketball camp, featuring top national coaches.
Community Partnerships: We established a strategic partnership with the State College Coyotes to build and develop a highly competitive sled hockey team.
Elite Competition: Our athletes are competing aggressively on the national stage, with their sights firmly set on the Paralympics.
Record-Breaking Support: Our sold-out 2025 benefit event, hosted by Sue Paterno and Dana Harris, drew over 275 attendees and raised $75,000 to fuel the program's future.
and we're just getting started...
Our Progress
Just two years ago, the program had no athletes and no coaching staff.
Our efforts have enabled:
Rapid Roster Growth: Six adaptive student-athletes are now proudly representing Penn State, bolstered by a 2025 recruiting class that stands as the largest and most elite in the program’s history.
Dedicated Leadership: A full-time head coach and a part-time wheelchair basketball coach now lead daily training, development, and nationwide & international recruitment.
Program Expansion: We successfully launched Penn State's first wheelchair basketball team and hosted the inaugural 2025 wheelchair basketball camp, featuring top national coaches.
Community Partnerships: We established a strategic partnership with the State College Coyotes to build and develop a highly competitive sled hockey team.
Elite Competition: Our athletes are competing aggressively on the national stage, with their sights firmly set on the Paralympics.
Record-Breaking Support: Our sold-out 2025 benefit event, hosted by Sue Paterno and Dana Harris, drew over 275 attendees and raised $75,000 to fuel the program's future.
and we're just getting started...
Our Vision
By 2030, we envision:
Setting a Gold Standard: Establish Penn State as the nationally recognized leader in adaptive athletics.
Offering Comprehensive Programming: Host intramural, elite, and youth adaptive sports teams, events, and camps.
Providing Equitable Access: Ensure every adaptive athlete has fair access to premier coaching, high-level competition, and vital scholarships.
Fostering Seamless Integration: Cultivate a thriving adaptive sports culture that is deeply embedded into Penn State’s athletic identity—never siloed.
Establishing Broad Outreach: Expand adaptive athletics outreach university-wide and throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
Creating a National Ripple Effect: Inspire universities across the country to model their programs after Penn State's leadership and commitment to inclusion.
Our Vision
By 2030, we envision:
Setting a Gold Standard: Establish Penn State as the nationally recognized leader in adaptive athletics.
Offering Comprehensive Programming: Host intramural, elite, and youth adaptive sports teams, events, and camps.
Providing Equitable Access: Ensure every adaptive athlete has fair access to premier coaching, high-level competition, and vital scholarships.
Fostering Seamless Integration: Cultivate a thriving adaptive sports culture that is deeply embedded into Penn State’s athletic identity—never siloed.
Establishing Broad Outreach: Expand adaptive athletics outreach university-wide and throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
Creating a National Ripple Effect: Inspire universities across the country to model their programs after Penn State's leadership and commitment to inclusion.
Our Impact
Support from Rise Above: Friends of Penn State Adaptive Athletics provides the resources to:
Provide scholarships and tuition assistance.
Purchase adaptive equipment and training gear.
Support travel for national competition.
Host intramural, elite, and youth adaptive sports teams, events, and camps.
Promote program visibility through media and community events.
Foster collaboration between Penn State, local schools, and Commonwealth Campuses.
Our Impact
Support from Rise Above: Friends of Penn State Adaptive Athletics provides the resources to:
Provide scholarships and tuition assistance.
Purchase adaptive equipment and training gear.
Support travel for national competition.
Host intramural, elite, and youth adaptive sports teams, events, and camps.
Promote program visibility through media and community events.
Foster collaboration between Penn State, local schools, and Commonwealth Campuses.
Board of Directors
Chuck Sypula '68
A 1968 Penn State graduate in Education, Chuck also holds an MBA from American University. He is a serial entrepreneur with over 50 years of experience creating successful enterprises in public sector finance, real estate, and environmental products. A dedicated supporter of Penn State, Chuck established the first endowment for the Ability Athletics Program and founded Rise Above to ensure the program’s revitalization and future success.
President & Chairman
Joe Clouse '83
Joe is a 1983 Penn State Marketing graduate with a distinguished career in business development at firms like IBM, EY, and Korn Ferry. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Ability Beyond and is a Senior Advisor to Disability Solutions. Joe specializes in fundraising and capital campaigns, dedicating his expertise to organizations that support individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
Vice President &
Chief of Fundraising
Mark Balistrieri '91
Mark is a Director at Schneider Downs, specializing in State and Local Tax Advisory Services. A 1991 Penn State Accounting graduate and CPA, he has over 30 years of experience advising public, private, and non-profit clients. In addition to Rise Above, he serves on the boards of the Carnegie Library of Homestead and the Pittsburgh Italian Scholarship Fund, bringing extensive financial stewardship to the organization.
Treasurer & CFO
Bernie Ryan '82
Bernie is a 1982 Penn State Engineering graduate and retired U.S. Navy pilot who commanded multiple worldwide missions. After his service, he directed the Penn State Grass Roots Network, organizing 435,000 alumni to advocate for the university with elected officials. A retired FedEx commercial pilot, Bernie and his wife are active volunteers in the State College community and frequent supporters of Ability Athletics events.
Secretary
Kortney Clemons '08
Kortney is the Head of U.S. Combat Medic Training at Brooke Army Medical Command. A Purple Heart recipient injured in Iraq in 2005, he became the first Iraq War veteran to qualify for the Paralympics, competing in Beijing in 2008. He credits Penn State Ability Athletics with his transition back into society and has co-authored the book AMPED: A Soldier's Race for Gold in the Shadow of War.
Board Member
Alvin de Levie '73
A 1973 Penn State and 1976 Villanova Law graduate, Alvin is a prominent personal injury attorney who has represented victims of catastrophic injury for over 40 years. He is a former member of the Penn State Board of Trustees (2021–2024) and a lifelong "townie" whose father founded the University’s Study Abroad program. Alvin remains deeply committed to student success, mentoring future leaders and supporting causes like the Special Olympics and THON.
Board Member
Jeff Hantz '04
Jeff is a Shareholder at the law firm of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote in Pittsburgh. He graduated with honors in Computer Science from Penn State in 2004 before earning his J.D. from Duquesne University. A 2004 Paralympian who competed in Athens, Jeff remains deeply connected to the adaptive sports community and brings legal expertise and personal athletic experience to the Board.
Board Member
Teri Jordan
Teri served as the Administrator and Coach for the Penn State Ability Athletics Program for two decades, guiding it to national prominence from its inception in 1999 until her retirement in 2020. A former U.S. Olympic Team member and Kansas Sports Hall of Fame inductee, she previously coached Penn State’s Women’s Track and Field. She holds a Master’s in Biomechanics and Adapted Physical Education from Kansas University.
Board Member
Capt. Ryan J. McCombie,
USN (Ret.) '70
A 1970 Penn State graduate and Board of Trustees Emeritus, Ryan served 26 years as a U.S. Navy SEAL and was the first military attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville, Congo. He is a Founding Member of the University’s Outreach Development program and former Chair of the World Campus Military Scholarship Foundation. A lifetime member of the Mount Nittany Society, he remains a tireless advocate for the university.
Board Member
Mike McHugh '12
Mike is a 2012 Penn State Finance graduate and Vice President at JPMorgan Chase in NYC. During his time at Penn State, he participated in Ability Athletics and co-founded the "Adaptive Outreach" club to foster inclusivity on campus. Mike is an avid traveler who has visited all seven continents. He remains a dedicated alumnus - currently serving as VP of the Penn State NYC Alumni Chapter, Alumni Relations Director for The Hope Gala, and previously on the Executive Board of the Penn State's Alumni Council.
Board Member
Keith McMinn
Keith is the Director of Life Lion at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and a retired Maryland State Trooper. He holds a Master’s in Homeland Security and has spent decades coaching wheelchair basketball, including leading a team to a national championship. A father of a daughter with a disability, Keith is passionate about using sports to change the life trajectories of youth with disabilities.
Board Member
Rohan Murphy '06
Rohan is a 2006 Penn State graduate and accomplished powerlifter who wrestled for Penn State’s varsity team. The owner of Rohan Murphy Inc., he is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and the founder of the CatchSpark.com community. Featured by Sports Illustrated and ABC News, Rohan has represented the USA on the world stage and credits Ability Athletics with launching his career as an elite adaptive athlete.
Board Member
Maggie Redden '07
Maggie is a 2007 Penn State graduate and a 2008 Paralympian who represented the USA in Beijing. She currently serves as a Senior Communications and Marketing Specialist for the City of Falls Church, VA, and holds an MPA from St. Peter’s College. An official Torchbearer for the 2004 Olympics and a longtime activist, Maggie remains a fierce advocate for the disabled community and the Adaptive Athletics program.
Board Member
Jenny Ryan
Jenny has been with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) since 2016, managing Paralympics Cycling, internal operations, and international relations. A 2013 Grove City College graduate and 16-time All-American swimmer, she previously served as a Sports Development Coordinator for USA Triathlon. She is a Certified Meeting Professional and a licensed Youth Sports Administrator dedicated to advancing adaptive sports talent.
Board Member
Jake Schrom '11
Jake is a 2011 Penn State graduate and a Senior Landscape Designer for his family’s business in Carlisle, PA. After losing his leg in a work accident during college, he joined Ability Athletics, which launched a successful career in para powerlifting that took him to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. A certified Peer Visitor for the Amputee Coalition, Jake uses his story to inspire others navigating limb loss.
Board Member
Board of Directors
Chuck Sypula '68
A 1968 Penn State graduate in Education, Chuck also holds an MBA from American University. He is a serial entrepreneur with over 50 years of experience creating successful enterprises in public sector finance, real estate, and environmental products. A dedicated supporter of Penn State, Chuck established the first endowment for the Ability Athletics Program and founded Rise Above to ensure the program’s revitalization and future success.
President & Chairman
Joe Clouse '83
Joe is a 1983 Penn State Marketing graduate with a distinguished career in business development at firms like IBM, EY, and Korn Ferry. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Ability Beyond and is a Senior Advisor to Disability Solutions. Joe specializes in fundraising and capital campaigns, dedicating his expertise to organizations that support individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
Vice President &
Chief of Fundraising
Mark Balistrieri '91
Mark is a Director at Schneider Downs, specializing in State and Local Tax Advisory Services. A 1991 Penn State Accounting graduate and CPA, he has over 30 years of experience advising public, private, and non-profit clients. In addition to Rise Above, he serves on the boards of the Carnegie Library of Homestead and the Pittsburgh Italian Scholarship Fund, bringing extensive financial stewardship to the organization.
Treasurer & CFO
Bernie Ryan '82
Bernie is a 1982 Penn State Engineering graduate and retired U.S. Navy pilot who commanded multiple worldwide missions. After his service, he directed the Penn State Grass Roots Network, organizing 435,000 alumni to advocate for the university with elected officials. A retired FedEx commercial pilot, Bernie and his wife are active volunteers in the State College community and frequent supporters of Ability Athletics events.
Secretary
Kortney Clemons '08
Kortney is the Head of U.S. Combat Medic Training at Brooke Army Medical Command. A Purple Heart recipient injured in Iraq in 2005, he became the first Iraq War veteran to qualify for the Paralympics, competing in Beijing in 2008. He credits Penn State Ability Athletics with his transition back into society and has co-authored the book AMPED: A Soldier's Race for Gold in the Shadow of War.
Board Member
Alvin de Levie '73
A 1973 Penn State and 1976 Villanova Law graduate, Alvin is a prominent personal injury attorney who has represented victims of catastrophic injury for over 40 years. He is a former member of the Penn State Board of Trustees (2021–2024) and a lifelong "townie" whose father founded the University’s Study Abroad program. Alvin remains deeply committed to student success, mentoring future leaders and supporting causes like the Special Olympics and THON.
Board Member
Jeff Hantz '04
Jeff is a Shareholder at the law firm of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote in Pittsburgh. He graduated with honors in Computer Science from Penn State in 2004 before earning his J.D. from Duquesne University. A 2004 Paralympian who competed in Athens, Jeff remains deeply connected to the adaptive sports community and brings legal expertise and personal athletic experience to the Board.
Board Member
Teri Jordan
Teri served as the Administrator and Coach for the Penn State Ability Athletics Program for two decades, guiding it to national prominence from its inception in 1999 until her retirement in 2020. A former U.S. Olympic Team member and Kansas Sports Hall of Fame inductee, she previously coached Penn State’s Women’s Track and Field. She holds a Master’s in Biomechanics and Adapted Physical Education from Kansas University.
Board Member
Capt. Ryan J. McCombie,
USN (Ret.) '70
A 1970 Penn State graduate and Board of Trustees Emeritus, Ryan served 26 years as a U.S. Navy SEAL and was the first military attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville, Congo. He is a Founding Member of the University’s Outreach Development program and former Chair of the World Campus Military Scholarship Foundation. A lifetime member of the Mount Nittany Society, he remains a tireless advocate for the university.
Board Member
Mike McHugh '12
Mike is a 2012 Penn State Finance graduate and Vice President at JPMorgan Chase in NYC. During his time at Penn State, he participated in Ability Athletics and co-founded the "Adaptive Outreach" club to foster inclusivity on campus. Mike is an avid traveler who has visited all seven continents. He remains a dedicated alumnus - currently serving as VP of the Penn State NYC Alumni Chapter, Alumni Relations Director for The Hope Gala, and previously on the Executive Board of the Penn State's Alumni Council.
Board Member
Keith McMinn
Keith is the Director of Life Lion at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and a retired Maryland State Trooper. He holds a Master’s in Homeland Security and has spent decades coaching wheelchair basketball, including leading a team to a national championship. A father of a daughter with a disability, Keith is passionate about using sports to change the life trajectories of youth with disabilities.
Board Member
Rohan Murphy '06
Rohan is a 2006 Penn State graduate and accomplished powerlifter who wrestled for Penn State’s varsity team. The owner of Rohan Murphy Inc., he is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and the founder of the CatchSpark.com community. Featured by Sports Illustrated and ABC News, Rohan has represented the USA on the world stage and credits Ability Athletics with launching his career as an elite adaptive athlete.
Board Member
Maggie Redden '07
Maggie is a 2007 Penn State graduate and a 2008 Paralympian who represented the USA in Beijing. She currently serves as a Senior Communications and Marketing Specialist for the City of Falls Church, VA, and holds an MPA from St. Peter’s College. An official Torchbearer for the 2004 Olympics and a longtime activist, Maggie remains a fierce advocate for the disabled community and the Ability Athletics program.
Board Member
Jenny Ryan
Jenny has been with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) since 2016, managing Paralympics Cycling, internal operations, and international relations. A 2013 Grove City College graduate and 16-time All-American swimmer, she previously served as a Sports Development Coordinator for USA Triathlon. She is a Certified Meeting Professional and a licensed Youth Sports Administrator dedicated to advancing adaptive sports talent.
Board Member
Jake Schrom '11
Jake is a 2011 Penn State graduate and a Senior Landscape Designer for his family’s business in Carlisle, PA. After losing his leg in a work accident during college, he joined Ability Athletics, which launched a successful career in para powerlifting that took him to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. A certified Peer Visitor for the Amputee Coalition, Jake uses his story to inspire others navigating limb loss.
Board Member
