Staff Directory
- Title:
- Director, Student-Athlete Development
- Email:
- Phone:
- 412-427-9433
Therese Pitman (she/her) joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics in July 2024 as the Director of Student-Athlete Development. In her role, she cultivates relationships with external partners including employers, mentors, and alumni to assist student-athletes in their career endeavors. She serves as the primary life skills advisor for the football (defense), lacrosse, swim and dive programs, where she supports student-athletes in their holistic development. Therese is a core member of the Panthers United Board which focuses on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to build a culture of belonging for all student-athletes.
Prior to taking on her role in the athletic department, Therese served as the Assistant Director for Leadership Development in the Division of Student-Affairs at Pitt where she created, executed, and evaluated leadership programs for the entire undergraduate population. The focus of her programming was social change and identity-based leadership. She conducted similar work at the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) where she was part of the 2022-23 Postgraduate Internship Program as a leadership development intern.
Therese assisted in building the foundation for the University of Pittsburgh’s inaugural women’s lacrosse program as team captain in the 2021-2022 season. While competing at Pitt she earned her master’s degree in public administration with a major in public and nonprofit management from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) as well as interned in the athletics department. Before competing at Pitt, Therese spent two seasons playing at Binghamton University as a lacrosse student-athlete and rounded out her undergraduate lacrosse career as team captain at Siena College with a bachelor’s degree in English.
Currently, Therese is a doctoral student at the University of Pittsburgh pursing a degree in higher education with a focus on student-athlete development strategies in an NIL and revenue generating era. She also instructs a number of course on campus including Life After Sports and First-Year Academic Foundations to assist students in their various life transitions.
Beyond the Bio
What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?
Drive up to Mount Washington at night when the sky is clear to see a breathtaking view of the city.
What is your favorite aspect of working in Pitt’s athletic department?
The people! I wouldn’t have come back after being a student-athlete if it weren’t for the care I was shown.
Favorite quote?
The Platinum Rule: Treat others how they want to be treated.
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?
My late grandfather, he was one of the first advocates for Title IX and I miss him dearly. Every time we chatted, I learned something new as he was always challenging me to think outside the box.
Hobbies outside of work?
Running and lifting, I’m always training for some kind of race! I also enjoying cooking.
