Reading, Pa. (August 4, 2026) - Alvernia University announced the selection of Penn Medicine as the official sports medicine provider to Alvernia Athletics on Wednesday. 
 
"We could not be more excited to be entering into this partnership with Penn Medicine to be the official sports medicine provider of Alvernia Athletics. We believe this is an opportunity for us to continue to elevate the experience that we are able to offer our student-athletes." said Cory Beddick, Alvernia's Director of Athletics and Recreation.
 
Clinicians at the Penn Medicine - Alvernia Medical and Counseling Center first began providing primary care, sick visits, and mental health counseling directly to Alvernia University students and employees in 2023. That care will be expanded to include specialized sports medicine expertise, strengthening a shared commitment to high‑quality, inclusive care for every student.
 
"This partnership will enable our student athletes to have access to comprehensive injury prevention, treatment, and sports performance." added Beddick. "This new collaboration reflects our dedication to elevating the standard of healthcare available to Alvernia's student athletes, coaches, and campus community."
 
Penn Sports Medicine delivers multidisciplinary patient centered care throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

"For the past several years, we've had the privilege of caring for Alvernia's students and staff through the Penn Medicine - Alvernia Medical and Counseling Center, making this a natural next step in our partnership," said Matthew Parido, Executive Director of Corporate Partnerships at Penn Medicine. "Student-athletes are students first, and expanding our role to include sports medicine allows us to provide a more seamless continuum of care from primary care and behavioral health to injury prevention, treatment and recovery.
 
"We're looking forward to expanding our relationship with Alvernia and investing in the health and success of its campus community."

The announcement comes after five years with St. Luke's as the primary sports medicine provider for Alvernia Athletics. 

"We want to thank St. Luke's and, most importantly, our previous athletic training staff for their commitment, dedication, and unwavering support of our student-athletes, teams, and coaches. Thank you to Christian, Bri, Steph, MK, Austin, and Chris. Additionally, our strength program has been elevated by the work of Nate Chabak and we thank him for his efforts. We wish all of you nothing but the best of luck in the next phase of your careers and hope you will look back fondly at your time at Alvernia. On behalf of all of our coaches, staff, and student-athletes…. Thank you!" said Beddick.