University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Kirk Bruce Promoted To Associate Athletic Director
7/23/2008 12:00:00 AM | General
July 23, 2008
PITTSBURGH-Kirk Bruce, who has served the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department for more than three decades in both coaching and administrative roles, has been promoted to associate athletic director for sport administration, it was announced today by Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson.
Bruce has served as an assistant athletic director for Olympic sports during the past decade. In his new capacity he will work directly under Pederson and have expanded oversight and involvement with the Panthers' Olympic sports programs. Specifically, he will oversee men's and women's cross country, soccer, swimming and diving, track and field and women's softball, tennis and volleyball.
Many of the sports Bruce oversees have had some of their most successful seasons during his involvement, competing for Big East and national recognition.
"Kirk has been a valuable member of this team for many years," Pederson said. "He has earned the respect of our coaches and student-athletes in all sports. I hold him in high regard personally and value his judgment on issues related to our teams in particular. This promotion is well deserved."
"I am honored and consider myself extremely lucky to continue to work with the talented group of people Steve Pederson has assembled in our athletic department at Pitt," Bruce said. "There are so many exciting things happening in the sports that I work with, and I am looking forward to a bright, successful future for each of them."
Bruce's Pitt association dates back to his days as an undergraduate, when he was a standout basketball player under Coach Buzz Ridl from 1971-75. He was a vital part of the Panthers' famed 1973-74 team that finished 25-4 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament's East Regional finals.
Bruce was drafted by the Utah Stars of the former American Basketball Association (ABA). When the league disbanded, he returned to Pittsburgh to begin his coaching career as a men's team assistant for the Panthers.
Bruce went on to be appointed Pitt's head women's basketball coach, serving in that capacity for 13 seasons (1985-98). His tenure was highlighted by the 1992-93 campaign when he guided the Panthers to their first 20-win season (21-10) and a third-place finish in the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT).
He coached numerous All-Big East players during that time, including one of Pitt basketball's most accomplished players in Lorri Johnson (1987-91), who remains the school's all-time leading scorer - both men's and women's - with 2,312 points.
A 1976 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in education, Bruce and his wife Marleen have three daughters, Chelsea, Carmen and Courteney.
