Concussions force Pitt's Alayna Gribble to retire from basketball
Norwin’s Alayna Gribble, who has been a part of the Pitt women’s basketball program for the past three seasons, is giving up the game.
Pitt coach Lance White announced Friday that Gribble, a junior, has received a medical disqualification from the team due to multiple concussions.
“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,” White said. “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.”
Pitt officials said they will honor Gribble’s scholarship, which includes providing medical care and treatment while Gribble continues to work toward her accounting 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,” Gribble said. “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.”
Gribble appeared in 52 career games (15 starts) and scored 371 points. She also recorded 105 rebounds and ranks 10th in program history in 3-point field goals (96). She is second in school history for 3-pointers by a freshman (46).
This season, she has played in four games while scoring 28 points, including eight 3-pointers.
Gribble led Norwin to consecutive WPIAL Class AAAA championships and is the leading scorer in school history (1,782 points).
Jerry DiPaola is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jerry at jdipaola@tribweb.com or via Twitter @JDiPaola_Trib.
Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.
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