University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt Athletics Launches "The Gold Standard," A Bold Three-Year Vision For The Future Of The Program
9/1/2026 12:48:00 PM | General
Greene Commits Pitt Athletics to a New Standard of Excellence Through FY29
PITTSBURGH — Pitt Director of Athletics C. Allen Greene unveiled The Gold Standard today, a comprehensive three-year strategic plan that sets a new course for one of college athletics' most storied programs.
The result of months of deliberate, department-wide collaboration, The Gold Standard is more than a planning document. It is a declaration of intent. Built around five strategic pillars and driven by a singular commitment to excellence in everything Pitt Athletics does, the plan charts an ambitious path forward for the program through fiscal year 2029.
"The Gold Standard is our commitment to build something at Pitt that every student-athlete, fan, donor and member of this community can be proud of for a long time to come," Greene said. "This plan outlines where we are going, how we will get there and the standard we will hold ourselves to every day. It is a road map to a successful future for Pitt Athletics."
The strategic planning process began in January 2026, with Associate ADs Blaire Ford and Amy Anderson leading the department's overall efforts. Each pillar consisted of committee members who established goals, objectives, initiatives and key performance indicators for the department to track its progress throughout the next three years.
The five pillars are:
- Student-Athlete Experience: From the moment our student-athletes arrive on campus to the day they walk across the graduation stage, we are committed to supporting their well-being, their academic success and their preparation for everything that comes after sport. The new era of college athletics has fundamentally changed what it means to be a student-athlete, bringing new opportunities and new demands beyond the playing field. Defining what the Pitt student-athlete experience looks like in this era is not just a starting point for this pillar. It is the foundation everything else is built on.
- Goal: We will provide every Pitt student-athlete with a transformative, holistic experience that prepares them to excel in competition, in the classroom and in life.
- Goal: We will provide every Pitt student-athlete with a transformative, holistic experience that prepares them to excel in competition, in the classroom and in life.
- Competitive Excellence: Football and men's basketball are the engines that drive our department, and we are committed to ensuring every program has the support and resources to be competitive. Driven by the same grit and relentlessness that has always defined the city we call home, we will navigate the new era of college athletics by investing strategically in our student-athletes and coaches, developing the talent that wins championships and embracing a modern approach to team-building across every sport.
- Goal: We will cultivate a championship culture that elevates Pitt Athletics in the ACC and nationally.
- Goal: We will cultivate a championship culture that elevates Pitt Athletics in the ACC and nationally.
- Revenue Generation and Resource Acquisition: In the new era of college athletics, investment in Pitt Athletics has never impacted winning more. Financial strength is not just an operational goal, but a competitive one. We are committed to generating the resources required to support our student-athletes through compelling storytelling that inspires giving, deepening donor relationships, expanding our commercial presence and unlocking new revenue streams that fuel our pursuit of championships.
- Goal: We will build a diversified, growing resource base to fuel our student-athletes' championship experiences.
- Goal: We will build a diversified, growing resource base to fuel our student-athletes' championship experiences.
- Engagement and Brand Advancement: From the first time someone wears a Pitt jersey to the moment a lifelong fan introduces their child to the program, we are committed to building relationships that last. We will grow our brand, deepen our connection with fans and create experiences that make Pitt Athletics unforgettable.
- Goal: We will develop a passionate, loyal fan base and elevate the Pitt Athletics brand regionally and nationally through compelling content, memorable experiences and a presence that reaches fans wherever they are.
- Goal: We will develop a passionate, loyal fan base and elevate the Pitt Athletics brand regionally and nationally through compelling content, memorable experiences and a presence that reaches fans wherever they are.
- Operational Excellence: A championship program is built on more than wins. It is built on the people, systems and decisions that make winning sustainable. That means being as aggressive in containing costs as we are in investing in the things that matter most, ensuring every dollar we spend moves this program forward.
- Goal: We will operate with purpose and precision, making strategic investments in our people, resources and infrastructure to drive Pitt Athletics forward and build a foundation for lasting success.
The Gold Standard also establishes Pitt Athletics' mission and vision statements, as well as its core values.
"Intercollegiate athletics is in the middle of the most significant transformation in its history," Greene said. "The decisions we make right now will shape Pitt Athletics for years to come. This plan is our commitment to meet that moment with clarity, purpose and flexibility."
