The Pittsburgh Foundation

Kristen Zawacki Legacy Fund

Established: 8/19/2011

As the first female basketball coach at Saint Vincent's College in Latrobe, Kristen Zawacki was an icon in the female sports world and a mentor and role model to the many girls she coached. She brought an exuberance and passion to everything she did both on and off the court.

When she passed away suddenly at home on Christmas Day in 2011, at the age of 52, her family and friends felt it was fitting to establish a legacy fund in her name as a way to celebrate her spectacular achievements and honor her life.

Kristen grew up in Mt. Pleasant where she began playing and later coaching softball. She was hired to lead the new women's basketball program at St. Vincent's in 1983 and went on to lead the Lady Bearcats through 27 seasons with an overall record of 512-276, highlighted by several championships, eight National Tournament games and a record-setting 16 consecutive appearances.

She was also the head softball coach from 1985-89 and again from 1996-2007. She was a High School All-American, named to Who's Who in America, and elected to the Saint Vincent Hall of Fame.

Ms. Zawacki brought joy and a playful sense of fun to the lives of everyone she touched. In that vein, the fund will offer scholarships and grants in areas that she loved: St. Vincent College students, children and animals. She also had a special place in her heart for those suffering with cancer.

Type of Fund

  • Advised