Karl Wissmann

For Karl Wissmann, transferring colleges was one of the most difficult decisions he has ever made. It also turned out to be one of the best.

After spending two years studying communications and playing baseball at another university, Karl realized he was looking for a place where he could thrive both academically and personally. That realization led him to enter the transfer portal and ultimately find a new home at Gwynedd Mercy University.

Once I entered the transfer portal, I looked more into the school, the campus, and what I'd be studying, and the fit felt just right. The decision to wipe away two years and start fresh was certainly scary. I truthfully tell people coming to GMercyU is the best decision I have ever made.

Karl chose GMercyU after reconnecting with Head Baseball Coach Joe Brooks, speaking with friends already enrolled, and learning more about GMercyU's Digital Communications program.

Finding His Place at GMercyU

Adjusting to a new campus, team, and classroom environment came with challenges, but Karl quickly found support within the Digital Communications program.

When I first got here, it was challenging because everything was new. The DigiComm community has been so welcoming and made the transition process much easier.

Originally drawn to communications because of his love for writing and sports, Karl says the Digital Communications program has expanded his creativity while preparing him for a future career in media.

"That freedom and fun in producing content, writing, editing, or whatever it may be is what drew me to communications in the first place," Karl said. "This passion has only grown since I came to GMercyU."

One of his favorite experiences has been creating podcasts, articles, and multimedia projects that contribute to his growing professional portfolio. Among those projects, a story he produced about transfer student-athletes stands out as particularly meaningful.

"I aimed to give prospective transfer athletes courage and help during a big transition period of their lives, just like I went through," Karl said. "It is truly the most rewarding piece of schoolwork I've ever produced."

Karl has also gained professional experience beyond the classroom. During the summer, he interned as a journalist with the East Coast Collegiate Baseball League, where he researched stories, interviewed players and coaches, and produced articles highlighting people and events across the league. The opportunity allowed him to strengthen his writing, storytelling, and content production skills while further fueling his passion for sports media.

Making an Impact On and Off the Field

In addition to studying Digital Communications, Karl is a member of the Honors Program and a student-athlete on the baseball team.

His commitment to both academics and athletics helped him earn First Team All-Conference honors as a utility player during his first season as a Griffin.

"I put together the best season of my life, earning all-conference honors as a utility player, something I never imagined was possible," Karl said. "Being voted the best utility player in the conference is surreal for me."

Beyond baseball, Karl has become involved in campus life through leadership and faith. After connecting with GMercyU leadership and the local seminary, he helped establish a Bible study group for student-athletes and now leads weekly discussions for members of the baseball team and other students.

"Leading Bible study has been one of the most worthwhile things I've done in my life," Karl said. "The growth and closeness of the baseball team here is largely due to that."

Karl credits the Honors Program, his teammates, coaches, and professors pushing him to grow and succeed.

Karl would also like to thank the coaching staff, his amazing family, roommates Brady Belfus, Drew Haines, Ryan Horner, Mike Inglisa, and Noah Waldron, along with Rebecca Gordon for the impact on him as a student athlete and a person at Gwynedd Mercy University.

I have never fit in somewhere quite like here, and I'm so comfortable being my true self.

Post-Graduation Plans

After graduation, Karl hopes to pursue a career as a sportswriter, journalist, or content producer, ideally covering the Philadelphia Phillies or Philadelphia Eagles.

"To me, the passion I have for covering sports and writing and telling stories fuels what I want to do with my life," Karl said.

Looking back on his transfer journey, Karl encourages students who may be considering a similar path to embrace new opportunities.

I'd advise people to take that leap, even if it's scary. Apply yourself and see how much your life changes for the better. I'm living proof of that.