University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt To Retire Jennifer Bruce's Jersey February 19
1/12/2023 12:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
PITTSBURGH – Jennifer Bruce, one of the most accomplished players in Pitt basketball history, will have her jersey retired, it was announced by Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. Bruce wore number 12 during an illustrious career that saw her score 2,295 points from 1981-85.
"To say that I'm elated, proud, appreciative and humbled at the same time would be an understatement," expressed Bruce. "I can't honestly say that growing up and loving this game so much that I would be having my Jersey (#) retired at a major university, it is truly unbelievable and It's the ultimate honor. I would like to thank the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department, my teammates of course, my family and friends. Besides my big brother, and my children there are two people in heaven who are extremely proud, Marguerite and Clarence Bruce. There is no me without them."
Bruce is the second female athlete at Pitt to have her jersey retired. She will be the sixth basketball player at Pitt to have their jersey in the rafters at the Petersen Events Center, joining Lorri Johnson and former men's standouts Don Hennon, Billy Knight, Charles Smith and Brandin Knight.
"We are beyond excited to announce the retirement of Jennifer Bruce's No. 12 jersey," stated Lyke. "Jennifer was an incredible player, dynamic leader, and inspiring role model for so many while also laying the foundation of excellence for all future Pitt female student-athletes. Jennifer is well deserving of this honor, not only because of her accolades on the basketball court but because of the lasting impact she made on the Pitt community and athletic department during her four years as a Panther. A true legend of the program, Jennifer's jersey will serve as inspirational goal for future Pitt women's basketball players."
Bruce remains one of the most prolific and decorated players in Pitt basketball history. More than three decades following the conclusion of her collegiate career, she remains the second all-time leading scorer in Pitt basketball history—men's or women's—with 2,295 points. She averaged 20.5 points and 8.9 rebounds over her four seasons. Bruce's scoring average is tied for the highest in program history (with the late Lorri Johnson).
An exceptional all-around player, Bruce still ranks in the top 10 of nearly every major statistical category for Pitt women's basketball, including blocks (third, 203), rebounds (fifth, 998) and steals (seventh, 203).
A three-time first-team All-Big East honoree, Bruce was named the 1984 Big East Co-Player of the Year after she averaged 23.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. She was named to the Big East Silver Anniversary Squad, recognizing the league's greatest players over its initial 25 years while also becoming Pitt's first recipient of the ACC's Women's Basketball Legends award in 2014. Bruce ranks first in Big East history in conference games scoring average (23.3 ppg) and ranks 11th in conference game rebounding average (9.7 rpg).
A Pittsburgh native, Bruce starred at Carrick High School before signing with the Panthers in 1981. Her daughter, Shayla, also played for the Panthers and finished her career with 998 points, 710 rebounds and 249 assists across her successful four-year career.
"Jennifer Bruce set the bar in women's basketball here at Pitt," said head coach Lance White. "She is an amazing ambassador for this program and the accomplishments she achieved as a student-athlete are beyond measure. We couldn't be more excited to honor her and the legacy she left here at Pitt by raising her jersey into the rafters of the Pete on Feb. 19."
Bruce will be honored Sunday, Feb. 19 at halftime of Pitt's game against nationally ranked Notre Dame. Tickets for the game are currently available HERE.
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"To say that I'm elated, proud, appreciative and humbled at the same time would be an understatement," expressed Bruce. "I can't honestly say that growing up and loving this game so much that I would be having my Jersey (#) retired at a major university, it is truly unbelievable and It's the ultimate honor. I would like to thank the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department, my teammates of course, my family and friends. Besides my big brother, and my children there are two people in heaven who are extremely proud, Marguerite and Clarence Bruce. There is no me without them."
Bruce is the second female athlete at Pitt to have her jersey retired. She will be the sixth basketball player at Pitt to have their jersey in the rafters at the Petersen Events Center, joining Lorri Johnson and former men's standouts Don Hennon, Billy Knight, Charles Smith and Brandin Knight.
"We are beyond excited to announce the retirement of Jennifer Bruce's No. 12 jersey," stated Lyke. "Jennifer was an incredible player, dynamic leader, and inspiring role model for so many while also laying the foundation of excellence for all future Pitt female student-athletes. Jennifer is well deserving of this honor, not only because of her accolades on the basketball court but because of the lasting impact she made on the Pitt community and athletic department during her four years as a Panther. A true legend of the program, Jennifer's jersey will serve as inspirational goal for future Pitt women's basketball players."
Bruce remains one of the most prolific and decorated players in Pitt basketball history. More than three decades following the conclusion of her collegiate career, she remains the second all-time leading scorer in Pitt basketball history—men's or women's—with 2,295 points. She averaged 20.5 points and 8.9 rebounds over her four seasons. Bruce's scoring average is tied for the highest in program history (with the late Lorri Johnson).
An exceptional all-around player, Bruce still ranks in the top 10 of nearly every major statistical category for Pitt women's basketball, including blocks (third, 203), rebounds (fifth, 998) and steals (seventh, 203).
A three-time first-team All-Big East honoree, Bruce was named the 1984 Big East Co-Player of the Year after she averaged 23.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. She was named to the Big East Silver Anniversary Squad, recognizing the league's greatest players over its initial 25 years while also becoming Pitt's first recipient of the ACC's Women's Basketball Legends award in 2014. Bruce ranks first in Big East history in conference games scoring average (23.3 ppg) and ranks 11th in conference game rebounding average (9.7 rpg).
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— Pitt Basketball (@Pitt_WBB) January 12, 2023
Jennifer Bruce will take her well earned place among Pitt basketball greats as her jersey will be retired!
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A Pittsburgh native, Bruce starred at Carrick High School before signing with the Panthers in 1981. Her daughter, Shayla, also played for the Panthers and finished her career with 998 points, 710 rebounds and 249 assists across her successful four-year career.
"Jennifer Bruce set the bar in women's basketball here at Pitt," said head coach Lance White. "She is an amazing ambassador for this program and the accomplishments she achieved as a student-athlete are beyond measure. We couldn't be more excited to honor her and the legacy she left here at Pitt by raising her jersey into the rafters of the Pete on Feb. 19."
Bruce will be honored Sunday, Feb. 19 at halftime of Pitt's game against nationally ranked Notre Dame. Tickets for the game are currently available HERE.
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