Hired as the head volleyball coach at Allegheny in 1986, Bridget Sheehan wrapped up the 2013 campaign with a 599-408 career record, making her the 12th-winningest active Division III volleyball coach, and 17th on the all-time list. A two-time North Coast Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, Sheehan has guided the Gators to four conference championships, as well as four appearances in the NCAA postseason. Sheehan is a graduate of Slippery Rock University, where she majored in Economics, before also earning a graduate degree from the Rock in Sports Administration. A four-year standout on the volleyball court, she was inducted into the Slippery Rock Hall of Fame in 2008.
What is your fondest memory as a student-athlete?
Making post-season play and the excitement we had as a team
What is your fondest memory during your time at Allegheny?
Winning the 1991 NCAC Championship after coming into the tournament as the fourth seed. Also, qualifying for the NCAA postseason for the first time in team history in 1987.\
What brought you to Allegheny?
The opportunity to coach college athletes that can have a healthy balance between academic and athletic commitments.
If you could coach another sport for one day, what would it be?
Women’s golf. I’d be able to get out in the sun and see a beautiful golf course.
Do you have any personal pre-match routines?
My pre-match routine is to have a cup of coffee in hand and listen to a little motivational music.
What is your favorite road trip movie?
“We are Marshall” and “Remember the Titans.”
How about your least favorite?
Any horror film!
Favorite band/music artist?
I have a few, including Maroon 5, Colbie Caillat, Adele, and Kenny Chesney.
What is your pre-match pump-up song?
I like to hear “Happy” by Pharrell.
What is your favorite television show?
“Shark Tank” and “NCIS”
What is your favorite pro sports team?
The Pittsburgh Steelers.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Mia Hamm.
What is your favorite book?
“The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon.
Dream vacation?
Anywhere with a beach and the ocean waves.
You can choose three dinner guests- who would they be?
Condoleezza Rice, Bill Gates, and Sandra Day O’Connor.
You can choose one historical sports event to go back in time and attend- what would it be?
The Miracle on Ice hockey match in the 1980 Olympics with the U.S. vs. the Soviet Union.
Top item on your bucket list?
Traveling to Italy.
Describe Allegheny in three words or less
Community. Friendly. Special.
Who has been your greatest influence during your coaching career?
The first athletic director I had the honor of working for.
What is the top piece of advice you would give to an incoming freshman student-athlete?
They must understand the commitment that a college sports program demands.
What is the top piece of advice you’d give someone who plans to pursue a career in coaching?
Have a passion for the sport and athletes you coach, and do your very best to advance both.
