This year is one of transitions for Point Park athletics.

Athletic Director Dan Swalga retired after 12 years as a Pioneer; men’s basketball head coach Gabe Bubon retired after just two seasons in the position and, most importantly, former columnist Josh Croup graduated, leaving this sports column to me.

As every year, we also said goodbye to some standout athletes that spent their time in the green and gold.

Star point guard Gavin Rajahpillay of the men’s basketball team, former captain Josh Williams of men’s soccer, forward Baylee Buleca and guard Maryssa Agurs of women’s basketball, all-around athlete Noel Hartle of women’s soccer and shutout pitcher Addison Domingo of the baseball team are just some of the big names lost to graduation this past spring.

That being said, so much talent remains at Point Park and it’s only growing as the years go on.

Anna Shields returns for another year of record-breaking, and added to the cross-country mix are freshmen Alyssa Campbell from New Brighton, Pa., who finished second to Shields in their last race, and freshmen Doug Kostelansky and Camden Seybert from my hometown of Butler, Pa., who both finished in the team’s top five in their last race.

In volleyball news, former assistant coach Bridget Bielich is going into her first full season as head coach of the team after the firing of Mike Bruno last season. Former player Shiloh Simonson will join her as the team’s assistant coach as well.

So far, the volleyball team has a 1-3 record, all in non-conference play. A lot of talent returned on the team, including Ashley Taylor, Julia Menosky, Jazlyn Rozier and Morgan Dangelo.

As this semester progresses, a new athletic director will be named, a new men’s basketball coach will be hired, records will be broken, wins will be celebrated, losses will be overcome and I will be diving ‘all in’ each week to ensure that it all gets shared with fellow Pioneers.

Yes, this year is one of transitions, but it has the potential to be one for the books.