Dr. Christina "Tilly" Sheets - Associate Director, Academic Support Services ASSIGNMENTS–Women's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Football - Staff Directory

Staff Directory

Dr. Christina "Tilly" Sheets

Title:
Associate Director, Academic Support Services
ASSIGNMENTS–Women's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Football
Email:
Phone:
412-383-8650

Christina “Tilly” Sheets, EdD joined the Academic Support Service for Student-Athletes staff in September of 2015 as an Academic Counselor and was promoted to Associate Director in 2019. “Tilly,” as she is known by her student-athletes, works primarily with the Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, and Men’s Soccer Teams.

Prior to her arrival at Pitt, Sheets was the Head Swimming Coach at Chatham University from 2012-2015 and worked at Clarion University from 2000-2012. At Clarion, she served as the Assistant Swimming Coach from 2000-2009 and Interim Associate Athletic Director from 2001-2002. In 2009, she left the pool deck to take over as the Coordinator of the University’s Advising Center. It was here that she gained experience advising over 300 undecided and liberal studies students, coordinating faculty advising education, and serving on campus retention committees. She also had the opportunity to teach college reading and study skills, sports management, and sports facility and event management courses.

Sheets received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Clarion University in 1999. During her time there, she received several honors in the pool. Tilly was a 28-time NCAA Division II Women’s Swimming All-American, five-time NCAA DII National Champion, four-time NCAA Academic All-American, three-time Clarion Female Athlete of the Year, two-time PSAC Swimmer of the Year, and recipient of an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. In 2006, she was inducted into the Clarion Sports Hall of Fame.

She went on to receive her Master of Arts Degree in Education with an Athletic Administration Major from Ball State University in 2000 where she was a Graduate Assistant Swimming Coach. In 2022, after taking a 20 year hiatus from being a student, Tilly completed her Doctorate in Education from Pitt in Higher Education Management.

A York, Pennsylvania native, Sheets now resides in Hampton Township with her husband, Dave, and their three children, Ben, Libby, and Lainey.

Beyond the Bio
Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?
The Trees Pool. Being a swimmer and a former swimming coach, there is nothing better than going for a swim at Trees. I love all of the natural light and the heated deck.

Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
2016 Pitt v. Penn State Football Game. The atmosphere at Heinz Field was incredible. Growing up in Eastern Pennsylvania, I have always been surrounded by Penn State fans. It was awesome to watch our Pitt Panthers drop the hammer on the Nittany Lions!

What is your favorite aspect of working in Pitt’s athletic department?
The student-athletes. Working with extraordinary and talented student-athletes every day makes me feel energized and inspired. They have high expectations and I intend to make sure they get the same from me in return.

Favorite quote?
Leaders are like eagles. They don’t flock. You find them one at a time.

Hobbies outside of work?
Exercising, golfing, gardening, coaching, listening to books on my drive to work, being a mom to three teenage children.