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Penn State New Kensington men's soccer player Finn Bethurum showcases his skills on the field and in his Pride in the PSUAC piece.
Penn State New Kensington men's soccer player Finn Bethurum showcases his skills on the field and in his Pride in the PSUAC piece.
Penn State New Kensington men's soccer player Finn Bethurum showcases his skills on the field and in his Pride in the PSUAC piece.
Posted: Sep 03, 2025

Pride in the PSUAC with Finn Bethurum

This story is part of a year-long series of feature stories written by PSUAC student-athletes and coaches, highlighting their experiences in the PSUAC.

By Finn Bethurum, Penn State New Kensington men's soccer student-athlete

Growing up in Southern California all my life, I knew Pennsylvania as one of the northeastern states where the Liberty Bell was located. Little did I know it would become a place that would give me a home once I reached college.

I pride myself on coming from the not-so-small city of Oceanside, California, known for its beautiful beaches and being featured in the hit movie Top Gun. That’s where I started my soccer journey at the age of five, playing for my local club, Oceanside Breakers. My parents were eager to help me release my extra energy, so they signed me up for recreational soccer with some of my school friends.

Gradually, I worked my way up to the recreational All-Star team, then to the lowest recreational team, and eventually to the top team. That team would give me a family I would have forever, but I understand there is a time to move on.

After a successful high school career and club experience, I finally decided I wanted to play college soccer. I saw many talented players fail to reach that level, but I worked hard to find an opportunity. After sharing some clips on recruiting sites, Penn State New Kensington head coach Mark Duffield decided to give me a shot and invited me for a campus tour.

After visiting Penn State New Kensington, I fell in love with the small campus, the scenery, and the people I met there. I realized that was exactly what I needed, so I decided to try something new—play college soccer in Pennsylvania while earning a Penn State University degree.

That long summer, I prepared myself for the challenge of making new friends and finding my place in an unfamiliar community. But once I arrived, I felt like I had an immediate family. I realized the community at this school is unlike any other, which I hope will still be felt by many even after I leave.

My first week was unforgettable. The intense training by coach Duffield to prepare us for the season, combined with team bonding and enduring pain together, quickly created a community and a sense of home.

Even now, as we have established our community here, each week feels the same—except now, we’re mentoring the newcomers and giving them a taste of our family at Penn State New Kensington.

Originally, I planned to stay for two years, either participating in the 2+2 program or transferring to another school. But now, in my third year, my plans have changed. The joy and appreciation I feel on this campus—from earning two PSUAC All-Conference awards and 1st and 2nd team USCAA All-American honors, to the friendships I’ve made—made me realize I can’t see myself anywhere else.

I will forever be grateful for what Penn State has done for me—past, present, and future, including how the PSUAC provides athletes like me opportunities to compete at a strong collegiate level. Penn State New Kensington will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to what we can accomplish this season.