University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Hail to Her: Women in the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame
Keisha Demas (Track and Field)
Demas was a national-caliber performer for Pitt women's track and field from 1987-91. She finished her accomplished career as a five-time All-American and 14-time Big East champion. Demas earned individual All-America honors in the outdoor 400 meters (1990 and 1991) and indoor 400 meters (1990). She additionally was a member of the two-time All-America outdoor 4x400 relay team (1990 and 1991). Demas helped lead the Panthers to three Big East team championships: the 1989 indoor title and consecutive outdoor crowns (1990-91). She was named the "Outstanding Performer" at the 1991 Big East Indoor Championships.
Watch Keisha Demas' video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Demas was a national-caliber performer for Pitt women's track and field from 1987-91. She finished her accomplished career as a five-time All-American and 14-time Big East champion. Demas earned individual All-America honors in the outdoor 400 meters (1990 and 1991) and indoor 400 meters (1990). She additionally was a member of the two-time All-America outdoor 4x400 relay team (1990 and 1991). Demas helped lead the Panthers to three Big East team championships: the 1989 indoor title and consecutive outdoor crowns (1990-91). She was named the "Outstanding Performer" at the 1991 Big East Indoor Championships.
Watch Keisha Demas' video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Debbie Lewis (Women’s Basketball)
Whether it was as a scorer, distributor or defender, Lewis was truly a do-it-all star for Pitt women's basketball from 1977-82. Four decades following her final collegiate game, she remains the program's all-time assists leader with 638. Her 186 assists during the 1981-82 season is also still a record. As a scorer, Lewis compiled an astounding 1,941 points—all before the advent of the collegiate 3-point shot—to rank fourth in Pitt annals. Her offensive prowess did not take away from her production on the defensive end, evidenced by her 250 career steals, still the second-highest total in school history. In fact, she still owns single-game records for assists (18) and steals (10). As a senior in 1981-82, Lewis led the Panthers in scoring (16.6 avg.), assists (a school-record 186) and steals (63).
Watch Debbie Lewis' video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Whether it was as a scorer, distributor or defender, Lewis was truly a do-it-all star for Pitt women's basketball from 1977-82. Four decades following her final collegiate game, she remains the program's all-time assists leader with 638. Her 186 assists during the 1981-82 season is also still a record. As a scorer, Lewis compiled an astounding 1,941 points—all before the advent of the collegiate 3-point shot—to rank fourth in Pitt annals. Her offensive prowess did not take away from her production on the defensive end, evidenced by her 250 career steals, still the second-highest total in school history. In fact, she still owns single-game records for assists (18) and steals (10). As a senior in 1981-82, Lewis led the Panthers in scoring (16.6 avg.), assists (a school-record 186) and steals (63).
Watch Debbie Lewis' video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Angela Lopez (Women’s Swimming)
Lopez made history in 1974 when she earned All-America honors in the 200-yard breaststroke, becoming the first Pitt women's swimmer to earn that lofty stature. She repeated the achievement in 1975 competing in the 100-yard breast. Lopez would also distinguish herself on the national stage. Representing her native country of Puerto Rico, she competed in the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico as well as the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. As an Olympian, she competed in the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events, and as a member of the 100-meter freestyle and 100-meter medley relay teams.
Watch Angela Lopez's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Lopez made history in 1974 when she earned All-America honors in the 200-yard breaststroke, becoming the first Pitt women's swimmer to earn that lofty stature. She repeated the achievement in 1975 competing in the 100-yard breast. Lopez would also distinguish herself on the national stage. Representing her native country of Puerto Rico, she competed in the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico as well as the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. As an Olympian, she competed in the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events, and as a member of the 100-meter freestyle and 100-meter medley relay teams.
Watch Angela Lopez's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Jennifer Bruce (Women’s Basketball)
Starring for the Panthers from 1981-85, Bruce remains one of the most productive 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, she 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.
Watch Jennifer Bruce's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Starring for the Panthers from 1981-85, Bruce remains one of the most productive 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, she 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.
Watch Jennifer Bruce's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Donna DeMarino Sanft (Gymnastics Student-Athlete and Coach)
Sanft made an indelible impact at Pitt, first as a gymnastics student-athlete, then as the program’s head coach, and later as a longtime athletics administrator. As a Pitt gymnast (1970-74), Sanft was a three-time Most Valuable Performer and three-time captain. She was selected Pitt’s 1974 Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year (now the Blue-Gold Award), a year prior to women’s recipients joining their male counterparts in having their names inscribed on the famed Varsity Walk. In 1974, women’s gymnastics was launched as an intercollegiate sport at Pitt under the direction of the athletic department. Reflective of her impact as a student-athlete, Sanft was hired as the first women’s varsity gymnastics coach in Pitt history at the age of 22. Leading that program for the next 12 years (1974-86), Sanft posted an 86-57-1 record and was twice selected as Eastern Collegiate Coach of the Year. She directed the Panthers to a Top 10 national ranking in 1979 and Top 20 rankings in 1981, 1982, 1984 and 1986. Sanft also coached Pitt's only NCAA champion in women's gymnastics, Lisa Shirk (1982). Sanft then went on to a highly impactful and wide-ranging career as an administrator for Pitt Athletics from 1986-2014.
Watch Donna DeMarino Sanft's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Sanft made an indelible impact at Pitt, first as a gymnastics student-athlete, then as the program’s head coach, and later as a longtime athletics administrator. As a Pitt gymnast (1970-74), Sanft was a three-time Most Valuable Performer and three-time captain. She was selected Pitt’s 1974 Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year (now the Blue-Gold Award), a year prior to women’s recipients joining their male counterparts in having their names inscribed on the famed Varsity Walk. In 1974, women’s gymnastics was launched as an intercollegiate sport at Pitt under the direction of the athletic department. Reflective of her impact as a student-athlete, Sanft was hired as the first women’s varsity gymnastics coach in Pitt history at the age of 22. Leading that program for the next 12 years (1974-86), Sanft posted an 86-57-1 record and was twice selected as Eastern Collegiate Coach of the Year. She directed the Panthers to a Top 10 national ranking in 1979 and Top 20 rankings in 1981, 1982, 1984 and 1986. Sanft also coached Pitt's only NCAA champion in women's gymnastics, Lisa Shirk (1982). Sanft then went on to a highly impactful and wide-ranging career as an administrator for Pitt Athletics from 1986-2014.
Watch Donna DeMarino Sanft's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Chantee Earl (Women’s Track and Field)
Earl stands as one of the most accomplished performers in the sterling history of Pitt women’s track and field. As a senior, she captured the 800-meter title at the 2000 NCAA Indoor Championships. Her championship-winning time of 2:02.19 set a Pitt record and was a mere 0.42 seconds from the NCAA Indoor meet standard. Earl was the 800-meter national runner-up at the 2000 Outdoor Championships—the lone collegiate meet of her senior season that she didn’t claim first place. In addition to her NCAA title, Earl finished her career (1996-2000) as a six-time All-American, earning three indoor citations and three in outdoor competitions. She also claimed seven Big East championships—four individual and three as a relay member—solidifying her status as one of the Panthers’ greatest middle-distance runners ever.
Watch Chantee Earl's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Earl stands as one of the most accomplished performers in the sterling history of Pitt women’s track and field. As a senior, she captured the 800-meter title at the 2000 NCAA Indoor Championships. Her championship-winning time of 2:02.19 set a Pitt record and was a mere 0.42 seconds from the NCAA Indoor meet standard. Earl was the 800-meter national runner-up at the 2000 Outdoor Championships—the lone collegiate meet of her senior season that she didn’t claim first place. In addition to her NCAA title, Earl finished her career (1996-2000) as a six-time All-American, earning three indoor citations and three in outdoor competitions. She also claimed seven Big East championships—four individual and three as a relay member—solidifying her status as one of the Panthers’ greatest middle-distance runners ever.
Watch Chantee Earl's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Najuma Fletcher (Women's Track & Field)
Fletcher stands as one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the University of Pittsburgh, regardless of sport or era. Starring at Pitt from 1992-96, she earned 14 first-team All-America citations and was a six-time Big East champion. Fletcher became the first woman in Pitt history to win an individual NCAA track and field title when she captured the 1995 indoor triple jump. In 1996, she added the NCAA indoor high jump championship. Also an accomplished student, Fletcher was named the 1996 Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Fletcher competed for her native Guyana at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. She also is an accomplished musician who toured internationally before arriving at Pitt.
Watch Najuma Fletcher's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Fletcher stands as one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the University of Pittsburgh, regardless of sport or era. Starring at Pitt from 1992-96, she earned 14 first-team All-America citations and was a six-time Big East champion. Fletcher became the first woman in Pitt history to win an individual NCAA track and field title when she captured the 1995 indoor triple jump. In 1996, she added the NCAA indoor high jump championship. Also an accomplished student, Fletcher was named the 1996 Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Fletcher competed for her native Guyana at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. She also is an accomplished musician who toured internationally before arriving at Pitt.
Watch Najuma Fletcher's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Sue Heon (Women's Swimming)
Heon set new standards of greatness for Pitt swimming during her remarkable career that spanned from 1981-85. She was an 11-time All-American, earning national accolades in each season of her collegiate career. Heon independently earned honors in the 400 individual medley (three times), 500 freestyle (twice), 1650 freestyle (twice) and the 200 backstroke. She also was part of three All-America relay teams (twice as a member of the 800 free relay and once in the 400 medley relay). Heon was a nine-time individual Big East champion and two-time relay champion. At the conclusion of her Pitt career, Heon held seven different school records. She represented the United States at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, finishing fourth in the 400 individual medley.
Watch Sue Heon's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Heon set new standards of greatness for Pitt swimming during her remarkable career that spanned from 1981-85. She was an 11-time All-American, earning national accolades in each season of her collegiate career. Heon independently earned honors in the 400 individual medley (three times), 500 freestyle (twice), 1650 freestyle (twice) and the 200 backstroke. She also was part of three All-America relay teams (twice as a member of the 800 free relay and once in the 400 medley relay). Heon was a nine-time individual Big East champion and two-time relay champion. At the conclusion of her Pitt career, Heon held seven different school records. She represented the United States at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, finishing fourth in the 400 individual medley.
Watch Sue Heon's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Lorri Johnson (Women's Basketball)
Johnson is the all-time career scoring leader in Pitt basketball history—male and female—with 2,312 points. Playing in 113 games at Pitt from 1987-91, she averaged 20.5 points per contest. She also grabbed 908 career rebounds, ranking eighth in Pitt women's basketball annals. Johnson holds the school record for points in a game, a 45-point outburst against Kent State in 1990. Her 266 total field goals during the 1988-89 season also remains a Pitt standard. Johnson was a three-time All-Big East honoree (1989-91), including two first-team nods. She was the first women's basketball player to have her jersey number (24) retired by the University of Pittsburgh, receiving that honor this past January.
Watch Lorri Johnson's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Johnson is the all-time career scoring leader in Pitt basketball history—male and female—with 2,312 points. Playing in 113 games at Pitt from 1987-91, she averaged 20.5 points per contest. She also grabbed 908 career rebounds, ranking eighth in Pitt women's basketball annals. Johnson holds the school record for points in a game, a 45-point outburst against Kent State in 1990. Her 266 total field goals during the 1988-89 season also remains a Pitt standard. Johnson was a three-time All-Big East honoree (1989-91), including two first-team nods. She was the first women's basketball player to have her jersey number (24) retired by the University of Pittsburgh, receiving that honor this past January.
Watch Lorri Johnson's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Ann Marie Lucanie (Volleyball)
Lucanie set impeccable standards for Pitt volleyball that still resonate today. She earned a lengthy list of individual accolades from 1990-93, including All-America honors as a senior from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). Upon the conclusion of her career, she owned the Pitt record for career kills (1,815), a standard that stood for 14 years and ranks second today. Her name is etched throughout the Panthers’ record book, ranking fourth in career attempts (4,085), seventh in hitting percentage (.308), fourth in aces (148) and sixth in digs (1,480). She also set the school single-match record for kills with 37. Lucanie was a three-time Big East Player of the Year (1991-93) and four-time Big East Tournament MVP (1990-93). Her high-impact freshman debut earned her the 1990 Big East Rookie of the Year award. Lucanie led the Panthers to a 101-39 overall record (.721) and 26-2 Big East mark (.929) during her career. Pitt claimed four Big East regular-season championships and four Big East Tournament titles during that span, advancing to the NCAA Tournament each season.
Watch Ann Marie Lucanie's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Lucanie set impeccable standards for Pitt volleyball that still resonate today. She earned a lengthy list of individual accolades from 1990-93, including All-America honors as a senior from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). Upon the conclusion of her career, she owned the Pitt record for career kills (1,815), a standard that stood for 14 years and ranks second today. Her name is etched throughout the Panthers’ record book, ranking fourth in career attempts (4,085), seventh in hitting percentage (.308), fourth in aces (148) and sixth in digs (1,480). She also set the school single-match record for kills with 37. Lucanie was a three-time Big East Player of the Year (1991-93) and four-time Big East Tournament MVP (1990-93). Her high-impact freshman debut earned her the 1990 Big East Rookie of the Year award. Lucanie led the Panthers to a 101-39 overall record (.721) and 26-2 Big East mark (.929) during her career. Pitt claimed four Big East regular-season championships and four Big East Tournament titles during that span, advancing to the NCAA Tournament each season.
Watch Ann Marie Lucanie's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Trecia-Kaye Smith (Track and Field)
Smith ranks as one of the most decorated athletes in Pitt history. As a member of the Panthers' track and field team from 1995-99, she won seven individual NCAA championships. Those include four NCAA indoor titles (three in the long jump and one in the triple jump) and three outdoor championships (two in the long jump and one in the triple jump). Smith was a 15-time All-American and 14-time Big East champion. She also captured 15 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) championships. In 1997, Smith swept the Big East Most Outstanding Field Performer awards for both the indoor and outdoor seasons. She was a two-time finalist for the prestigious Honda Award and was named to the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Silver Anniversary Team. Smith represented her native Jamaica at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics.
Watch Trecia-Kaye Smith's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Smith ranks as one of the most decorated athletes in Pitt history. As a member of the Panthers' track and field team from 1995-99, she won seven individual NCAA championships. Those include four NCAA indoor titles (three in the long jump and one in the triple jump) and three outdoor championships (two in the long jump and one in the triple jump). Smith was a 15-time All-American and 14-time Big East champion. She also captured 15 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) championships. In 1997, Smith swept the Big East Most Outstanding Field Performer awards for both the indoor and outdoor seasons. She was a two-time finalist for the prestigious Honda Award and was named to the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Silver Anniversary Team. Smith represented her native Jamaica at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics.
Watch Trecia-Kaye Smith's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Lisa Shirk (Gymnastics)
Shirk is the only female gymnast in Pitt history to win an NCAA championship. She accomplished the feat on the uneven bars in 1982. During her collegiate career from 1980-84, Shirk earned five total All-America citations. She was a three-time All-American in 1981 alone, finishing as the national runner-up in the all-around and floor exercise, while placing fourth on the uneven bars. On the strength of Shirk's outstanding performances, the Panthers finished 11th in the nation in 1981. She would cap her collegiate career as a floor exercise All-American in 1984 with an eighth-place finish. In addition to her national acclaim, Shirk was also a perennial All-East honoree.
Watch Lisa Shirk's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Shirk is the only female gymnast in Pitt history to win an NCAA championship. She accomplished the feat on the uneven bars in 1982. During her collegiate career from 1980-84, Shirk earned five total All-America citations. She was a three-time All-American in 1981 alone, finishing as the national runner-up in the all-around and floor exercise, while placing fourth on the uneven bars. On the strength of Shirk's outstanding performances, the Panthers finished 11th in the nation in 1981. She would cap her collegiate career as a floor exercise All-American in 1984 with an eighth-place finish. In addition to her national acclaim, Shirk was also a perennial All-East honoree.
Watch Lisa Shirk's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Kathy Stetler (Swimming)
Stetler achieved unprecedented heights as a swimmer at Pitt in the latter 1970s. Her lengthy list of achievements included two historic firsts: she was the first female national champion in Pitt history and became the Panthers' first female four-year All-American. In 1978, Stetler captured a national title in the 50-yard butterfly, an event in which she earned All-America honors in each of her four seasons with the Panthers. From 1976-79, Stetler earned 18 total All-America citations, including 13 individual honors and five as a member of relay teams. The Pitt women's swimming and diving program also accumulated a dual-meet record of 31-3 during Stetler's remarkable four-year career, highlighted by four victories over West Virginia and three wins against Penn State.
Watch Kathy Stetler's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
Stetler achieved unprecedented heights as a swimmer at Pitt in the latter 1970s. Her lengthy list of achievements included two historic firsts: she was the first female national champion in Pitt history and became the Panthers' first female four-year All-American. In 1978, Stetler captured a national title in the 50-yard butterfly, an event in which she earned All-America honors in each of her four seasons with the Panthers. From 1976-79, Stetler earned 18 total All-America citations, including 13 individual honors and five as a member of relay teams. The Pitt women's swimming and diving program also accumulated a dual-meet record of 31-3 during Stetler's remarkable four-year career, highlighted by four victories over West Virginia and three wins against Penn State.
Watch Kathy Stetler's video highlighting her success at Pitt.
