The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Rick Klimchock as the next head coach of the Bobcat women’s basketball program.
Klimchock brings more than 40 years of coaching and educational experience to Pitt-Greensburg, including successful stops at the high school, AAU, and collegiate levels. Most recently, he served as an assistant coach for the Pitt-Greensburg men’s basketball team, working alongside his son, Chris Klimchock. During his time on campus, Rick became deeply connected to the University and its community, making the opportunity to lead the women’s basketball program a natural next step.
“We are excited to welcome Rick Klimchock as our new women’s basketball coach,” said Pitt-Greensburg President Dr. Robert Gregerson. “Rick has an impressive record of coaching at the high school and college levels and is very familiar with Pitt-Greensburg’s athletics. We look forward to having him lead the program.”
“We are extremely excited to welcome Rick to our athletic department as the next head coach of our women’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Lou Zadecky. “Coach Rick brings a wealth of experience, an outstanding knowledge of the game, and a passion that is evident in everything he does. He will have an immediate positive impact on our women’s basketball program, our athletic department, and the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg campus.
“With strong basketball and personal ties throughout the Pittsburgh region and here in Greensburg, Coach Rick is well-positioned to build meaningful relationships with our student-athletes and the campus community. We couldn’t be happier to have him join our team, and we look forward to seeing the bright future ahead for our women’s basketball student-athletes and the program under his leadership.”
Klimchock’s coaching resume includes 425 career victories as a high school head coach, highlighted by successful tenures at Greensburg-Salem, Franklin Regional, Jeannette, and Saltsburg. He also spent time as an assistant coach at Saint Vincent College and has extensive experience coaching AAU basketball with the Pittsburgh Storm. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as a teacher of the game who emphasizes skill development, accountability, and creating a positive culture where every player understands and embraces their role.
For Klimchock, accepting the position was about more than basketball.
“Being here over the last several years and coaching alongside my son, Chris, allowed me to truly fall in love with Pitt-Greensburg,” Klimchock said. “I didn’t have a bad day on campus. Every interaction with our student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff reinforced what a special place this is. Seeing the direction of the athletic department and the University’s commitment to its students made this an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Klimchock hopes to build a program that student-athletes are proud to be part of long after their playing careers end.
“I want our players to look back on their experience here and say they loved being part of this program,” Klimchock said. “I want them to enjoy competing, build lasting friendships with their teammates, and be proud to wear Pitt-Greensburg across their chest. That comes from a love of the game, a willingness to work hard, commitment, a positive attitude, and expecting the best from yourself every day.”
A longtime fixture in the Westmoreland County basketball community, Klimchock also plans to make local recruiting a priority.
“This area is a hotbed for women’s basketball talent,” Klimchock said. “We want the best local players to know they have an outstanding opportunity right here at Pitt-Greensburg. Building relationships throughout our community and keeping talented student-athletes close to home will be an important part of what we do.”
As he prepares for his first season leading the Bobcats, Klimchock’s immediate focus is building relationships with the current roster and establishing the foundation for future success.
“My first priority is connecting with our current players, learning who they are, and helping each of them find their role within our program,” Klimchock said. “I’m fully committed to building a successful women’s basketball program at Pitt-Greensburg, and I ask our players to meet me halfway with that same commitment. I’d also like to thank Dr. Gregerson, the search committee, and Lou Zadecky for their faith in me. I promise I will give everything I have to this program.”
Klimchock’s combination of coaching experience, local ties, and familiarity with Pitt-Greensburg positions him to immediately begin building relationships both on campus and throughout the region. As the Bobcats turn the page to a new era, the future of the women’s basketball program is in the hands of a coach who already considers Pitt-Greensburg home.
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