JENNIFER LEWKE '05
A native of Central Square, N.Y., Lewke-Tortora was a member of the volleyball team from 2001-04. As a Panther, she finished top five in the AMCC in blocks for three straight seasons (2002-04) and was named to the AMCC All-Conference Third Team her senior year. She made a lasting impression on the program as she ranks second in Pitt-Bradford history in blocks, third in sets played, fifth in service aces and sixth in kills.
Lewke-Tortora graduated from Pitt-Bradford with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Public Relations and now works as an investigative reporter for WHEC news in Rochester, N.Y. She has received many accolades for her success in the field of journalism, including the National Edward R. Murrow Award in recognition for her work as an investigative reporter.
JACKIE PODRASKY '11
A native of Medina, Ohio, Podrasky-McFadden became the UPB volleyball program's first All-American in 2010. That same year, she was named the AMCC Player of the Year and the Pitt-Bradford Athlete of the Year, while leading the Panthers to the program's first AMCC title. She hit the ground running in her career, earning the 2007 AMCC Newcomer of the Year and 2007-08 Pitt-Bradford Rookie of the Year honors her freshman year. For her career, she logged over 1,000 career kills and digs, just the fourth player in program history to reach that milestone.
She graduated from UPB with a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Medicine and later earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Gannon University in 2014. She currently works as a physical therapist for local school districts in Pinehurst, N.C.
DARLENE WALKER O'CONNELL '80
O'Connell helped put the Pitt-Bradford bowling program on the national stage during its first year competing in the NJCAA in 1980. The Bradford, Pa., native placed fourth at Nationals to earn a spot on the All-American team out of 100 bowlers, becoming the first Pitt-Bradford female NJCAA All-American. She scored 2,097 (514, 501, 560 and 522 series totals) in 12 games for an average score of 174.7.
In addition to her groundbreaking success athletically, she shined just as bright in the classroom, as she carried a 3.9 GPA as a computer science major.
