Pitt athletics doesn’t have a short list of star graduate student athletes. From All-Americans to national champions, below are Panthers who excelled for Pitt while pursuing their graduate degrees.
Kenny Pickett – Football
While enrolled in the Katz Graduate School of Business, now known as the University of Pittsburgh School of Business, 2021 Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett delivered a memorable season for Pitt football. Pickett threw for over 4,300 yards and 42 touchdowns, leading the Panthers to their first ACC Championship win and earning him a third-place finish in Heisman trophy voting for the year.
Pickett’s lasting impact would come from a viral “fake slide.” The NCAA changed the college football rules for the following season in response, cementing his place in Pitt football history and the NCAA rulebook.
Emmy Klika – Volleyball
A defensive anchor for the Pitt volleyball team, Emmy Klika’s graduate season in 2024 would prove to be her best yet, leading the team with 344 digs. Klika would help the team reach its fourth straight NCAA Final Four appearance and earn All-ACC Second Team honors. She was also awarded the Jim & Pat Thacker postgraduate scholarship for both her athletic and academic achievements.
Nino Bonaccorsi – Wrestling
Veteran wrestler Nino Bonaccorsi displayed his dominance during his 2023 graduate season — he went a perfect 21-0 at 197 pounds. He finished his career as a five-time NCAA qualifier and three-time ACC Champion. His final season brought Pitt its first wrestling national title in over a decade, capping off a substantial tenure as a Panther.
Amanda West – Women’s Soccer
The first-ever Panther drafted into the NWSL and one of the most prolific scorers in program history, forward Amanda West returned for her graduate season in 2023. This season was one of her greatest as she started 21 of 24 games, tying for the most in program history.
Scoring 11 goals and nine assists, West tied for the most goals secured in a single season, including two game winners. West was also named to the All-ACC second team in 2023, along with earning ACC-All Academic recognition.
Cameron Cash – Men’s Diving
Men’s diver Cameron Cash became one of the most decorated divers in Pitt history while pursuing a graduate degree in biology during the 2024 season. Cash swept the ACC with titles in both the 3-meter and platform events, earning him All-American honors by the NCAA. He was also honored for his academic achievements, earning an Academic All-America recognition and winning ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Greg Elliott – Men’s Basketball
Greg Elliott, a graduate transfer to Pitt during the 2022-23 season, contributed experience and shooting for Pitt basketball, which had previously failed to reach the NCAA Tournament for over six years. Elliott’s veteran leadership and perimeter skill helped the Panthers reach the round of 32 in March, igniting a much-needed turning point for the program.
These individuals embody Pitt’s best graduate athletes, offering some of Pitt athletics’ greatest moments in recent history while chasing academic excellence. Look no further than these competitors as ideal Panthers and Pitt athletes.