At the conclusion of the 2025–26 season, longtime University of Scranton golf coach Ed Karpovich will retire, ending an extraordinary 44-year career leading the program.

Karpovich, the longest-tenured active coach at The University of Scranton, leaves behind a legacy defined by sustained excellence, mentorship, and commitment to his student-athletes.

"Ed Karpovich is an icon, a living legend. He has touched the lives of countless individuals throughout his 44 year tenure. His name is synonymous with Scranton Golf and we are grateful to him for all he has done for our university," said Executive Director of Athletics Dave Martin.

Prior to his coaching career, Karpovich was a standout golfer for the Royals, leading the team to three MAC championships and capturing two individual conference titles. He also competed in the NCAA Championships twice during his collegiate career.

A 1976 University of Scranton graduate, Karpovich came back to lead the men's golf program in 1982. Over the years, he turned the Royals into a consistent powerhouse, posting over 400 wins in dual matches. His teams had some incredible streaks, including 61 straight dual-match wins from fall 2017 to spring 2022.

Karpovich led Scranton to countless championships, including a Middle Atlantic Conference title in 1988 and back-to-back Landmark Conference titles in 2023 and 2024, which earned the Royals trips to the NCAA Championships.

"Coach preached to us that the Scranton Golf Team is more than just a team, it is a family. He is more than a coach, he is a teacher, mentor, and a friend. Because of that, we had a special relationship. Without him, I wouldn't have become the player I was or learned how to be the best leader I could. I'm very grateful I had the opportunity to play for Coach and be a part of the Scranton Golf family," said Calvin Ralph (2016-22). 

Karpovich added leadership of the women's golf program in 2016, further expanding his impact on the University's athletic success and student-athlete experience.

"Coach pushed me to be better than I thought I could be — he had a way of seeing your potential before you did. What set him apart was that he invested in you as a person first, athlete second. I left Scranton a better golfer, but more importantly, a better person, and Coach Karpovich is a big reason for that," said Maddy Buhler (2020-24). 

Beyond wins, Karpovich helped grow the game of golf in the region. He co-founded the Glenmaura National Collegiate Invitational in 1999, which draws top Division III talent every year, and served on the NCAA regional committee. 

His contributions have been widely recognized. Karpovich was inducted into The University of Scranton Wall of Fame in 1985 and received the prestigious Peter A. Carlesimo Award in 2021, honoring his significant contributions to athletics and Catholic education.

"I would like to thank The University of Scranton, more specifically their athletic department, for all the support they have given me throughout my coaching career. Associate Director of Athletics Randy Shemanski has always done what I asked of him, constantly saying it was a pleasure helping me out. A special thank you to Athletics Operations Manager Erin Maguire for putting up with me for decades. She always knew what I needed and what I had to get done before I did. I've always worked for super Athletic Directors, but Dave Martin is a rock star. He has done more for me and our golf program at Scranton than anyone could ever ask. I don't only consider him a colleague; he is a friend who I trust and admire. This was a very difficult decision for me, but being 72 years old and coaching for 44 years, it's my time to call it quits. But I will continue to support Scranton Athletics because I've been involved with The University of Scranton since being a player in 1973," said Coach Karpovich.

Plans to honor Karpovich's career will be announced in the coming months.