Louie Spina - Director of Media Relations (WBB, XC, T&F) - Women's Basketball Support Staff

Louie Spina

Title:
Director of Media Relations (WBB, XC, T&F)
Email:
lspina@athletics.pitt.edu
Phone:
716-429-5464

Louie Spina joined the University of Pittsburgh athletic department in November of 2018 as Director of Media Relations. Spina serves as the primary communications contact for Pitt men's soccer and women’s basketball programs.

Prior to his arrival at Pitt, Spina spent five years as a member of the Athletic Communications Office at the University at Buffalo as an assistant director. While at Buffalo, Spina spent time serving as the primary contact for multiple programs including women’s basketball, women’s soccer, men’s soccer, cross country, track and field, softball and baseball.

Spina spent his final four years of his time at Buffalo handling all media responsibilities for the women’s basketball program. Across his four seasons with the women’s basketball program, the team advanced to two NCAA Tournaments including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2018. Spina helped grow the presence of the UB women’s basketball team on social media as the teams followers grew by over 3,000 (250 percent increase) on Twitter and by over 500 (100 percent increase) on Instagram since his first season with the team in 2015.

Over his five seasons in Buffalo, Spina was a part of three NCAA tournament teams (women’s soccer 2014, women’s basketball 2016, 2018) and two MAC Tournament championship squads (women’s soccer 2014, women’s basketball 2016). He handled all media responsibilities for the Bulls during all three tournament appearances while also creating NCAA Tournament media guides.

Prior to Buffalo, Spina spent two years at Merrimack College where he served as the main contact for multiple programs including the Warriors division I men’s ice hockey program. During his first season at Merrimack, the Warriors garnered national attention as they earned the #1 ranking in the country for a two-week span. Spina helped serve all the national media requests while also promoting the team on all social media platforms during his two seasons in North Andover.

A 2011 graduate of Niagara University with a Bachelor of Science degree in sports management, Spina worked in the sports information office as a work-study student for four years.

A Buffalo, N.Y., native, Spina resides in Glenshaw with his wife, Mary and son Beaux.

Beyond the Bio
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
I would have to say my favorite sports moment at Pitt so far was when the women’s basketball team beat Notre Dame in the first round of the ACC Tournament in 2020. To see how far that young group came from the beginning of the season to the end of the season and beating the defending ACC Champs, it was a proud moment and one that I will always remember.

What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?
One of my favorite things to do in Pittsburgh is explore the great food scene the city has to offer. I come from a big food city in Buffalo so exploring what Pittsburgh has to offer has become one of my favorite things to do with my wife in the offseason and on weekends.

What do you love most about working in athletics?
There are many reasons why I love working in athletics, first and foremost is my passion for sports. I enjoy coming to “work” each and every day and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Another reason I love working in athletics is because of the relationships and bonds I am able to form with amazing student-athletes. Being able to share the stories of student-athletes is something I really enjoy and don’t take for granted.

Hobbies outside of work?
Outside of work I really enjoy going to other sporting events around the city such as Pirates and Steelers games. Just seeing how some of the pro sport franchises run their event is interesting and informative to me. I am also an avid golfer outside of work and I can’t wait to check out some of the local courses this summer.