Schwarz Tabbed as York College Athletic Director

When Garrett Schwarz (‘07) was a York College student majoring in youth ministry, he had no idea that one day the ministry he would be called to lead would bring him full circle--back to the campus that he loves. Schwarz has been named the new YC athletic director, a position he couldn’t be more excited to fill. 

“My passion has always been for people,” Schwarz explained. From guiding troubled youth at Epworth Village to caring for the elderly as Mahoney House executive director, Schwarz has held leadership roles with a number of agencies in the York community.

His most recent position was serving as the director of patient engagement for three years at York Medical Clinic. “I’ve always wanted to serve and help people, and now I’ll get to do that with student athletes,” he said.  

While announcing the decision, President Sam Smith said, “I am excited to share this great news for Panther athletics and York College. During my interview with Garrett, I was impressed with his deep passion for the ways that our athletic department should be mission driven, competitive, and continuously developing character among our student athletes.  As a former YC student-athlete, Garrett understands firsthand the key role coaches play in ensuring an outstanding, transformational experience for every student-athlete.”

This position at YC is the next step in his career as an organization manager and a Christian mentor, according to Garrett. “As athletic director, I’m excited to share my life experiences and genuinely minister to students,” he explained.  

Schwarz is a likable, charismatic leader, but he’s also meticulous and hardworking. He says he knows he is accepting a big challenge stepping into this role with Panther Athletics, and he’s eager for it. 

“My vision for the program is to continue the winning tradition of the teams we already have and to provide coaches and athletes with the tools they need to continue to be successful,” he noted.  “And I’m also excited to develop new programs and use them as an opportunity to bring even more students to York College to have the life-changing experiences this campus offers. I’m here to help our students learn how to win, and sometimes lose, with integrity.”

Schwarz’s own YC experience has shaped his career and faith trajectory, so he approaches working with students from a position of humility and wisdom learned through struggle. Schwarz began his studies at YC in the fall of 2000 and married his sweetheart, Jenna (Matkins ‘03) in 2003 (“She was the first person I met on campus,” he remembers fondly.). 

By 2004 they were expecting their first child, and financial needs began to mount. He left college before finishing his degree and initiated a career in human services. He worked for Epworth Village for 11 years, eventually becoming the director of youth and family services. 

“It seemed like the best thing for our family at that time, but I wish someone had sat me down and said, ‘Finish getting your degree. It’s going to be hard, but it will be so much better for you and your family if you do,’” he reflected. 

He eventually returned to York College a few years later to complete his studies while juggling the demands of a full-time job and three young children. “That experience really shaped who I became,” he said, noting that the lessons learned will be invaluable as he meets with students in a variety of real life situations. 

“I’m excited to help players be great athletes and also become great people,” he said. “I want them to achieve their academic goals. I want them to be successful in athletics but also make good choices for their life and future, to develop great skills, and to leave with a degree and a stronger relationship with God.”  

Schwarz is inheriting a department that involves nearly 70 percent of YC students participating in 18 sports.  During the past decade, Panther athletics has enjoyed success on and off the field. York has obtained 17 conference championships and had 25 athletes earn NAIA All-American status during the 10-year time span. Outside of the competition the Panthers have earned the NAIA Champions of Character plaque every single year. And there have been well over 200 NAIA Scholar-Athletes recognized across all programs.

“I want to thank President Smith and Panther Athletics for this wonderful opportunity. York College holds a special place in my heart because my life was changed here. My student experience grounded me in a Christ-centered faith that helped shape me into a God-honoring man, husband, and father,” he said. 

The Schwarzes have made York their home for the past two decades and have been engaged alumni, regularly attending athletics events with their children, Dawson (17), Makai (15), and Lael (14). They also attend East Hill Church of Christ, where Garrett and Jenna are active in leading youth ministry. 

“I love sports and competition,” Schwarz said, “but people are always my main priority. To lead the York College Athletic Department will be a true honor, and I am eager to get started.”

President Smith cited the mutual benefits of hiring Schwarz. “Garrett is fortunate to step into an athletic program that boasts experience, success and outstanding coaches,” Smith said, adding, “At the same time, we didn’t have to do much selling because he already loves YC and this community.  
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“I know that our students, coaches, staff and local fans will immediately find that Garrett will be a support, guide, and cheerleader for the entire department and all of York College as well as the York community.”