Staff Directory
Nuzzo, Theresa
Theresa Nuzzo
- Title:
- Head Coach, Cheerleaders & Dance Team
- Email:
- Phone:
- 412-389-7996
Theresa Nuzzo has been the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh cheerleading and dance teams, as well as the mascot program coordinator, since 1982. Under her direction, the Pitt cheerleaders and dancers have established a reputation as two of the most elite teams in the nation. Since the early 90s, the cheerleaders have won several national championships including three consecutive titles from 1992-94.
In 2019, the Panther cheerleaders claimed the national championship for Division I Small Coed. A perennial top-10 finisher, Pitt's cheer team broke through to win its first national title since 1994. Additionally, the Pitt dance team has achieved numerous top 10 finishes. Most recently, they placed an impressive sixth in the Division I-A Team Performance competition.
In addition to their annual competitions and year-round performances at the University of Pittsburgh’s athletic events, the cheerleaders, dance team, and mascot, Roc, are active throughout the Pittsburgh community and neighboring cities at charitable events and other special appearances. Nuzzo is responsible for the scheduling and coordinating of her Spirit Teams for all University, community and corporate events. The teams generate support and significant enthusiasm from the Oakland Zoo (the University’s notorious basketball student section) as well as the Panther Pitt on football gameday.
Nuzzo is also the owner and co-founder of Elite Cheerleading Inc., the Original Private Cheer Camp Company in the United States, which was founded in 1982. Since it began, Elite has been instructing thousands of cheerleaders annually from the elementary through collegiate level. In addition, Elite hosts the Pennsylvania Cheerleading and Dance Championships™, as well as Battle in the ‘Burgh! National Championships™, each year for both school-affiliated and All Star teams.
During her career at the University of Pittsburgh from 2007-13, Nuzzo served as the corporate and group ticket sales coordinator. Her responsibilities included taking charge of the corporate renewals, along with developing new corporate business, football group ticket sales, single game group promotions, and in-game group activities. She worked very hard to establish and uphold relationships with corporate groups to help strengthen their ties to the university.
Currently, Nuzzo collaborates with the marketing department where she coordinates gameday fan experiences. She also supports the Alumni Association with home and away outreaches, as well as Panther Club special initiatives throughout the year.
By creating a remarkable program and establishing sincere relationships with those she meets, Nuzzo has become an integral part in producing the Pittsburgh Steelers Fashion Show that benefits the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and the Cancer Caring Center. She serves as the coordinator of all performers. As a member of the creative team, she works diligently to develop an effective layout for the show that incorporates the models, entertainers, and players in a collaborative way to lay the foundation for a successful production.
As a 1981 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Nuzzo received her bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in child psychology. In addition to being a former cheerleader for the university, she earned the title of Miss Pennsylvania – USA in 1982. Following her year as Miss Pennsylvania, Nuzzo continued with the pageant system as she served as the pageant coordinator from 1983-1988 in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. She is a Pittsburgh native and currently resides in the city. Her son, Michael, and daughter-in-law, Ricky, reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her passion for cheer and dance, strong interest in working with children and young adults, as well as her invaluable relationships with others have helped her to excel in her profession. Nuzzo is well-received and an outstanding representative of the University of Pittsburgh.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?
The Cathedral of Learning, the most unique place on campus, where I spent many memorable hours learning as a student.
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
The Pitt vs. Notre Dame Game (last game at Pitt Stadium) as we celebrated our history of Pitt Athletics. Having the experience to join present athletes, as well as alumni, on the field is something I will never forget.
What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?
Watch fireworks on the Fourth of July. There is no greater view than the one from Mount Washington, which overlooks the city.
What do you love most about the University of Pittsburgh?
I love that I am a part of an institution with versatility and opportunity, which takes part in producing world class individuals who are well prepared and ready to enter society.
What do you love most about working in athletics?
Playing an integral part in the game-day experience and seeing the joy it brings to people of all ages.
Favorite Quote?
“A person’s true beauty comes from within.”
In 2019, the Panther cheerleaders claimed the national championship for Division I Small Coed. A perennial top-10 finisher, Pitt's cheer team broke through to win its first national title since 1994. Additionally, the Pitt dance team has achieved numerous top 10 finishes. Most recently, they placed an impressive sixth in the Division I-A Team Performance competition.
In addition to their annual competitions and year-round performances at the University of Pittsburgh’s athletic events, the cheerleaders, dance team, and mascot, Roc, are active throughout the Pittsburgh community and neighboring cities at charitable events and other special appearances. Nuzzo is responsible for the scheduling and coordinating of her Spirit Teams for all University, community and corporate events. The teams generate support and significant enthusiasm from the Oakland Zoo (the University’s notorious basketball student section) as well as the Panther Pitt on football gameday.
Nuzzo is also the owner and co-founder of Elite Cheerleading Inc., the Original Private Cheer Camp Company in the United States, which was founded in 1982. Since it began, Elite has been instructing thousands of cheerleaders annually from the elementary through collegiate level. In addition, Elite hosts the Pennsylvania Cheerleading and Dance Championships™, as well as Battle in the ‘Burgh! National Championships™, each year for both school-affiliated and All Star teams.
During her career at the University of Pittsburgh from 2007-13, Nuzzo served as the corporate and group ticket sales coordinator. Her responsibilities included taking charge of the corporate renewals, along with developing new corporate business, football group ticket sales, single game group promotions, and in-game group activities. She worked very hard to establish and uphold relationships with corporate groups to help strengthen their ties to the university.
Currently, Nuzzo collaborates with the marketing department where she coordinates gameday fan experiences. She also supports the Alumni Association with home and away outreaches, as well as Panther Club special initiatives throughout the year.
By creating a remarkable program and establishing sincere relationships with those she meets, Nuzzo has become an integral part in producing the Pittsburgh Steelers Fashion Show that benefits the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and the Cancer Caring Center. She serves as the coordinator of all performers. As a member of the creative team, she works diligently to develop an effective layout for the show that incorporates the models, entertainers, and players in a collaborative way to lay the foundation for a successful production.
As a 1981 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Nuzzo received her bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in child psychology. In addition to being a former cheerleader for the university, she earned the title of Miss Pennsylvania – USA in 1982. Following her year as Miss Pennsylvania, Nuzzo continued with the pageant system as she served as the pageant coordinator from 1983-1988 in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. She is a Pittsburgh native and currently resides in the city. Her son, Michael, and daughter-in-law, Ricky, reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her passion for cheer and dance, strong interest in working with children and young adults, as well as her invaluable relationships with others have helped her to excel in her profession. Nuzzo is well-received and an outstanding representative of the University of Pittsburgh.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?
The Cathedral of Learning, the most unique place on campus, where I spent many memorable hours learning as a student.
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
The Pitt vs. Notre Dame Game (last game at Pitt Stadium) as we celebrated our history of Pitt Athletics. Having the experience to join present athletes, as well as alumni, on the field is something I will never forget.
What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?
Watch fireworks on the Fourth of July. There is no greater view than the one from Mount Washington, which overlooks the city.
What do you love most about the University of Pittsburgh?
I love that I am a part of an institution with versatility and opportunity, which takes part in producing world class individuals who are well prepared and ready to enter society.
What do you love most about working in athletics?
Playing an integral part in the game-day experience and seeing the joy it brings to people of all ages.
Favorite Quote?
“A person’s true beauty comes from within.”
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