Concussions End the Career of Pitt WBB and Former Norwin Star Alayna Gribble

It’s a tough day for the Pitt women’s basketball team and a former local star.

The program announced today that due to multiple concussions, junior Alayna Gribble will be retiring from basketball. The school will honor her scholarship, which includes providing medical care and treatment while she works to earn her degree.

“Although I can no longer play basketball with my team, I will be on the sidelines cheering them on and providing any insight that I can to help our team be successful,” said Gribble. “I am thankful for the opportunities that basketball has provided me, especially the opportunity to be part of the Pitt Women’s Basketball team and the opportunity to attend an amazing university and receive a world class education. To the young basketball players out there: Do not take the game of basketball for granted because you never know when you will play your last game. Embrace all of the opportunities that basketball can provide and appreciate the journey. I am excited for the next chapter of my life. H2P.”

Alayna Gribble (23) November 13, 2018 — David Hague/PSN

Gribble appeared in 52 games and scored 371 points and ranks 10th in program history in three-point field goals made (96). During her freshman season, she made 46 three-point shots which ranks second in Pitt history.

“Alayna Gribble is the epitome of what we look for in a student-athlete and we are heartbroken for her having to give up the game she loves,” said Pitt coach Lance White. “She has not only performed at a high level on the basketball court but also off the court as she has represented the city of Pittsburgh and the people in this amazing city in the brightest of lights.”

Gribble was a big recruiting get for Pitt three years ago as she was a McDonald’s All-American nomination and after leading Norwin high school to back-to-back WPIAL AAAA Girls Basketball championships. She finished her career as the leading scorer in Norwin history with 1,782 points and was the 2016 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Player of the Year.