Sad news from the University of Pittsburgh as the school announced that former Panther head volleyball coach Chris Beerman has died at the age of 53.
Beerman spent eight years as the Panthers head coach (2000-07), compiling an overall record of 154-89, while also winning a Big East Title in 2003, a Big East Coach of the Year Award and taking Pitt to the NCAA Tournament twice.
“The volleyball community is hurting today with the loss of Chris Beerman,” said Pitt head coach Dan Fisher. “I did not know him well, but I have so much respect for his leadership and legacy with Pitt volleyball. We mourn with our alumnae and send our thoughts and prayers to his family.”
Beerman spent 20 years as a collegiate head coach, which included time at Louisville, South Florida, James Madison, Kentucky and Pitt. Overall, he was named coach of the year three-times and appeared in eight NCAA Tournaments.
Before coaching, Beerman was a two-time volleyball All-American at Ball State and helped lead the Cardinals to three NCAA semifinals appearances.
Beerman is survived by his wife Mary Beth and his two children: Kendall and Jackson.