University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Strategic Communications
The University of Pittsburgh Strategic Communications department is a multi-disciplined team committed to telling the story of the Pitt’s 19 intercollegiate athletic programs and more than 375 student-athletes in a compelling, accurate and timely fashion.
Situated in a top 25 media market nationally with two major newspapers, four television stations as well as a regional sports network, Pitt is a well-renowned brand featured in media outlets around the state, country and world.
The Strategic Communications unit facilitates communication between the athletic department and its external constituents, increases the awareness of and interest in Pitt Athletics and publicizes the activities and accomplishments of the student-athletes, teams and the athletic department as a whole. Our staff services and assists the media, coordinates interviews, conducts press conferences, produces all departmental publications, compiles statistics, managed sport-specific social media accounts and serves as the archivists and historians of Pitt Athletics.
An online credential system will be used to apply for season and single-game media credentials for football and men's basketball. All media must use the system to apply for men's basketball credentials, and football credentials. For all other sports, please contact the appropriate athletic communications contact on the Strategic Communications Staff Directory.
All interview requests should be directed to the appropriate sport contact. Coaches, student-athletes and staff members should not be contacted directly.
Photos/Video of Pitt coaches, student-athletes and staff members can be requested by contacting the appropriate sport representative.
The main purpose of this page is to assist the media in coverage of Pitt Athletics. If information is desired that is not available on this page, please contact the Strategic Communications office at 412-648-8240.
Scott Swegan
Sr. Associate Athletic Director
Chief Communications Officer
Contact for: Department of Athletics, Athletics Adminstration
sswegan@athletics.pitt.edu
Jason Knavel
Assistant Athletic Director
Contact for: MBB
jknavel@athletics.pitt.edu
Mike Annarella
Director of Football Communications
Contact for: FB
mannarella@athletics.pitt.edu
Joe Lassi
Director of Social Media and Fan Engagement
Contact for: 2WLAX
jlassi@athletics.pitt.edu
Elisabeth Schmidt
Assistant Director of Strategic Communications
Contact for: WRES, 2MBB, SB
eschmidt@athletics.pitt.edu
Rachel Bilenki
Assistant Director of Strategic Communications
Contact for: MSOC, WSOC, S&D, WLAX
rbilenki@athletics.pitt.edu
Dominic Pasquale
Assistant Director of Strategic Communications
Contact for: BASE, S&D, 2FB
dpasquale@athletics.pitt.edu
Charissa Coleman
Assistant Director of Strategic Communications
Contact for: VB, GYM
ccoleman@athletics.pitt.edu
Cassie Smith
Assistant Director of Strategic Communications
Contact for: WBB, XC, T&F
csmith@athletics.pitt.edu
412-648-8240
412-648-8248
@Pitt_ATHLETICS
@Pitt_ATHLETICS
@PittsburghPanthers
P.O. Box 7436
Petersen Events Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Strategic Communications
3719 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261