Brandon Hackenberg

Classroom

Hackenberg has excelled in the classroom, earning his undergraduate degree in public relations last December. He was named a 2020-21 United Soccer Coaches first team Scholar All-American for the first time in his career.

During his time at Penn State, he has been named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar twice and Academic All-Big Ten recipient four times.

Hackenberg is now working on a graduate certificate in business management foundations, which he expects to complete by this December.

Character

Hackenberg, voted as a two-time team captain by his teammates, holds himself to the highest character and attempt to hold his teammates to that same regard. He continues working hard to grow team culture and strive towards a common goal of championship behavior on and off the field.

Hackenberg is also a member of Penn State’s Athletic Director’s Leadership Institute.

Community

Hackenberg has been an important part of the State College and Penn State community since arriving. He always makes sure to take the time postgame to sign autographs and interact with the fans because he knows he is a role model and that these fans are also a contributing part of the team’s success.

He has also volunteered as a soccer summer camp staff member, helping instruct campers on soccer related activities while also ensuring they have an enjoyable experience overall.

Competition

Hackenberg, now in his sixth season with the team, has contributed many valuable minutes on the pitch for Penn State. He is a two-time All-Big Ten first team selection (2019, 2020-21) and also earned All-North Region first team honors last season.

Having played in 65 total games, Hackenberg has helped pitch 16 shutouts as a member of the backline.

The Nittany Lions have made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament, as well as a trip to the Big Ten Tournament Championship game in 2020-21 for the first time since 2011.