Monica Wignot

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Monica is the daughter of Thomas and Terese Wignot. She began her athletic journey playing youth soccer and tee-ball. Monica continued her athletic pursuits in grade school, playing for the Wyoming Valley travel soccer club and the St. Nicholas St. Mary’s girls’ basketball league. As she entered junior high, her talents flourished in basketball, soccer, track, and volleyball.

At Bishop Hoban & Holy Redeemer High School, Monica was a three-sport athlete, excelling in volleyball, basketball, and soccer. She focused on volleyball and basketball for the remainder of her high school career, also playing AAU basketball in the spring and summer.

In high school volleyball, Monica had over 1,000 kills, was a three-time player of the year, three-time Wyoming Valley All-Conference, three-time All-State, and led the state in kills her senior year. In high school basketball, she was a 1,000-point scorer, two-time league MVP, two-time player of the year, and three-time second-team All-State selection. Though she was not fond of the limelight, she was a fierce competitor.

Monica received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, where she played four years of volleyball followed by one season of basketball. Monica’s Pitt volleyball honors included Second Team All-Big East, three-time Big East Honor Roll, Pitt Panther Invitation MVP, and she was named to the Blue and Gold All-Tournament Team. For Pitt basketball, her 83 blocks were the second most in a single season in Pitt women’s basketball history. She finished the season ranking third in blocks in the ACC and was named to the All-ACC Academic Team. Monica helped Pitt make the NCAA women’s basketball tournament as a 10 seed, upsetting 7 seed Chattanooga, before losing to 2 seed Tennessee in the second round.

Monica graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology, along with a Master of Social Work. She worked at Pittsburgh Mercy and UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside Hospitals. She had a genuine passion for helping others.

Monica was a gifted athlete, a diligent student, and a tremendous teammate. She sadly passed away on March 4, 2022. Heather Lyke, Director of Pitt Athletics, said, “Monica Wignot represented the student-athlete ideal at Pitt. She excelled in not one but two sports at the Division I level, a reflection of both her tremendous talent and commitment. That same dedication was evident in her academic pursuits as she earned three degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.”

Women’s basketball head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio said, “Monica was a special athlete, but more importantly an amazing young woman – someone you hope your daughter grows up to be like. Monica created a culture of excellence and was such an integral part of our program and our NCAA Tournament run.”

“Monica was a fantastic athlete, a loyal teammate, and a good person,” volleyball head coach Dan Fisher said. “She was on my first team at Pitt in 2013 and by the end of that year, she became the best player on our court. She had a big hand in helping turn this program around and I wish I could have coached her longer.”

Monica leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a lasting impact on the sports she loved. She is deeply missed by her family, friends, coaches, and teammates. Monica’s memory lives on through the countless lives she touched and the indelible mark she left on the sports she loved.