University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Assistant Director, Strategic Communications
MEDIA CONTACT–Volleyball
- Email:
- Phone:
- 704-290-4075
Charissa Coleman joined the University of Pittsburgh athletic department in July of 2023 as an Assistant Director of Media Relations, serving as the primary contact for the volleyball team.
During the 2023 fall season, Coleman oversaw and directed the publicity efforts for Pitt volleyball’s ACC Championship and Final Four run. The social media platforms finished sixth in the nation in social rankings among all three major platforms while finishing seventh in growth rate (+30.23%). She was integral in helping Pitt volleyball set an all-time attendance record with 8,865 against Louisville (11/28/23) while helping Head Coach Dan Fisher and student-athletes make multiple radio station appearances for the first time in program history. Associate Head Coach Kellen Petrone was named AVCA Division I National Assistant Coach of the Year while Petrone, Akeo and Roth were dubbed to the College Coaching Hotshots list for the first time in their career. Coleman led the campaign for the program’s first National Freshman of the Year, Olivia Babcock, and ACC Setter of the Year, Rachel Fairbanks.
Coleman comes to Pittsburgh after working as an Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant at Clemson, serving as the primary contact for the women’s soccer, men’s tennis, rowing and gymnastics programs. In addition, she helped promote and kickstart the Clemson gymnastics social media accounts and recruiting efforts after being named the most recent Division I gymnastics program in June of 2021. She began her time in Clemson’s department in February of 2021 as an intern, working with the volleyball team in their communications efforts. Coleman graduate with her master’s degree in Human Resource Management in May of 2023.
A 2020 graduate of Gardner-Webb University – Coleman graduated with her bachelor’s degree in communications with a double minor in Spanish and marketing. She was a four-year letterwinner on the volleyball team while also working in the Sports Information office as an intern and leading on the SAAC board.
Coleman hails from Matthews, North Carolina.
Beyond the Bio
What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?
I love the food scene in Pittsburgh, so I love exploring new restaurants!
What do you love most at the University of Pittsburgh?
The people! Everyone is so friendly, genuine and willing to go the extra mile.
What is your favorite aspect of working in Pitt’s athletic department?
Everyone works very hard to help Pitt be one of the best athletic departments in the country. People are in pursuit of excellence which is inspiring and fun to be a part of.
