University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Like Father, Like Daughter: Rande and Rebecca Stottlemyer
11/11/2024 2:00:00 PM | Softball, Wrestling
Rande Stottlemyer was a legendary figure with a 40-year association with the Pitt wrestling program, spending 34 years at the helm, and building one of the most history-rich wrestling programs in the East. He was known for doing things the right way: through dedication, commitment to one's principles and beliefs, and hard work.
Those traits were always present with his wrestling program and in his family.
Prior to coaching, Stottlemyer was a three-time All-America wrestler for the Panthers from 1974–78. After graduating, he served as an assistant coach for one year before being named the head coach in 1979. Over 34 seasons, he became the winningest coach in program history, with a 304-231-12 record. During his tenure he was a five-time EWL Coach of the Year and produced 56 EWL individual champions, 33 All-Americans, and three national champions, including coaching current head coach Keith Gavin to his national title in 2008. Stottlemyer also help guide current assistant coach Drew Headlee to NCAA All-America status in 2005.
Stottlemyer's final years as head coach were among the wrestling program's most successful, with the Panthers winning three consecutive EWL regular-season championships (2010–2012) and three EWL Tournament titles (2011–2013).
Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Stottlemyer's service exemplifies not only the values of the United States Marine Corps, but more importantly, those of her very first coach – her dad.
Shortly before his retirement in 2013, Coach Stottlemyer was able to share Fitzgerald Field House with one of his four daughters, Rebecca, who was an adored and highly-respected member of the Pitt softball team from 2004–2008. Immediately after finishing her softball career at Pitt, she began her journey with the United States Marine Corps at Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia, in May of 2008.
Today, Lieutenant Colonel Stottlemyer is a distinguished officer in the United States Marine Corps, currently serving as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1, for the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Lt. Col. Stottlemyer has been recognized for her leadership, commitment to service, and accomplishments throughout her 16 years of military service. As a career officer, Lt. Col. Stottlemyer has held various leadership positions in both operational and staff roles, contributing to her well-rounded expertise in military strategy, management, and training.
She has demonstrated exceptional skills in leading and mentoring soldiers, often focusing on developing cohesive and high-performing teams. Her leadership is characterized by a strong sense of duty, discipline, and a dedication to improving the capabilities of those under her command.
Like father, like daughter.
In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Lt. Col. Stottlemyer has served in multiple deployments, operations, and missions, earning respect for her tactical acumen and ability to adapt to a variety of challenging situations. Her professional achievements reflect her deep understanding of military operations, organizational dynamics, and the importance of supporting the well-being of soldiers.
Thank you to all of our Veterans, past and present, for your service.
An especially big thank you to Stottie, our hero.
