Back in 2017, Heather Lyke had taken over as Pitt’s Athletic Director, with a vivid mindset on reshaping the athletic culture at Pitt. With the hire of Lyke, she has become one of the four female athletic directors in Power 5 schools. But the success for Pitt athletics has grown under Lyke and will continue to do so.
Lyke’s work did not go unnoticed, with the success of the Panthers this Academic season. Lyke has recently been awarded the Athletic director of the Year award. Pitt is one of the only athletic programs with multiple ranked programs and tournament runs.
In the last two seasons, Pitt football has finished top 25 in AP Polls in back to back seasons under Coach Narduzzi. Women’s Volleyball has made their second consecutive run in the Final four under coach Dan Fisher. Men’s soccer finished their season in a NCAA tournament run along with Women’s soccer making their first appearance in the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history. Men’s basketball also had a huge turnaround making a strong run in the March Madness tournament under coach JeffCapel.Not to mention, the dominant finish in wrestling with an NCAA title from Nino Bonacarri.
This season was an electrifying year for Pitt and with her ambitious attitude, Lyke is not stopping there. With recent fires and new hires coming Lyke is on the edge of embarking on a new image for Pitt sports. With the new investment of the $240 million project, VICTORY HEIGHTS. The new athletic facility that is set to be the new home for 16 of the 19 athletic teams at Pitt. With many new features and technology that will continue to help Pitt advance and continue producing top athletes.