Ty McGowan '26 joined the Westminster football staff as a graduate assistant in 2026, working with the Titans' running backs. A former three-year starting quarterback and three-year team captain at Westminster, he brings an understanding of the program and its expectations to his first collegiate coaching role.
McGowan served as a student volunteer coach during the 2026 spring semester, working directly with the interim head coach EJ White during playbook installation, on-field drills, coaching and film-room preparation. He also led end-of-spring exit meetings with the running backs, helping establish expectations and prepare the position group for the summer and fall.
A native of Pittsburgh and graduate of Moon Township High School, McGowan developed into one of the program's key leaders early on and enjoyed a decorated playing career from 2022-25. A two-time Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Honorable Mention selection, he ranks seventh in program history in career completions (334) and ranks ninth all-time in pass attempts (554), passing yards (3,922) and passing touchdowns (34). As a junior, he participated in The Program Leadership's Elite Team & Leadership Training, where he worked with high-ranking military officials on leadership development, effective communication and accountability.
McGowan has continued to hone his coaching skills through his work as a personal quarterback trainer, a role he has held since 2022. He creates individualized training plans and drills based on each player's goals and skill development while encouraging players at other positions to participate in improving team chemistry and performance.
McGowan earned a bachelor's degree in sport management from Westminster in May 2026. In addition to his football responsibilities, he served as a volunteer with the experiential Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, helping prepare federal, state and local tax returns for low- to moderate-income individuals, the elderly, individuals with disabilities and international students through the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership (LCCAP), dedicated to enhancing the quality of life within Lawrence County by eliminating and preventing the causes and effects of poverty. He has also worked as a volunteer with the College's Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) program and Special Olympics Lawrence County, assisting with initial visitor registration for an annual spring event on campus that welcomes hundreds of Special Olympics athletes from seven local counties for a basketball tournament and swim meet. McGowan also volunteered at Wilmington Field Day, Wilmington Area Elementary School's annual visit to campus, where Westminster student-athletes run basketball, track, football, golf, volleyball, soccer, tennis and lacrosse activities that keep the visiting students and College student-athletes engaged.
