University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Assistant Director of Strategic Engagement
- Email:
Emma Holtz joined the University of Pittsburgh athletic department in June 2026 as the assistant director of strategic engagement, after spending two years building her craft across programs in the SEC and Big Ten.
In her role, Holtz connects fans to Pitt using a digital strategy focused on email marketing, web and mobile app integration and paid digital advertising.
Holtz spent two years at Ole Miss as a marketing and fan experience graduate assistant, where she earned a master of science in integrated marketing communications in May 2026. While with the Rebels, she served as the primary marketing contact for volleyball, rifle and men's and women's golf while supporting digital marketing and game presentation for women's basketball and baseball. She also oversaw day-to-day operations of a 21-person internship program and served as an emcee for select events.
Before Oxford, Holtz built her foundation in college athletics at Penn State. As a marketing and fan experience intern with Penn State Athletics, she progressed quickly to lead sport-specific marketing campaigns and gameday operations across a range of Olympic and revenue sports. Outside of the athletic department, she contributed as a color commentator for Big Ten Network+ and sports director for CommRadio, Penn State's student-run radio station. She was also an active member of the Penn State chapter of the Association for Women in Sports Media (AWSM), where she served as treasurer during her senior year. She graduated in May 2024 with a bachelor of arts in advertising/public relations, a minor in digital media trends and analytics, and a certificate from the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism.
A Pittsburgh native, Holtz brings that experience full circle, now helping to build the brand for a storied hometown program.
