PITTSBURGH, Pa. – After a dozen years of championship excellence leading the La Roche Women's Basketball program, Head Coach Kam Gissendanner has announced her resignation.
Coach Kam leaves behind a legacy that includes records that will take a lot of time to match, if ever, in program history, making the Redhawks the premier program in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC).
Message from Coach Kam about her time at La Roche:
"After 12 incredible years serving as the head women's basketball coach at La Roche University, this program has been my home, my passion and my family for more than a decade, and the memories we've created will stay with me forever."
"I am deeply thankful to the University leadership, our athletic department, my fellow coaches, and most importantly the student-athletes, who trusted me to lead them. Watching these young women grow, not only as basketball players, but as leaders, scholars and people, has been my greatest privilege."
Message from Coach Kam to the supporters of LRU Women's Basketball:
"To our fans, alumni and supporters, your belief in our program and unwavering encouragement fueled us through every victory and every challenge. Together, we've built something special and I am proud of the legacy we leave behind."
"Though I am stepping away from this role, La Roche will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something so meaningful."
A 2008 graduate of Penn State University, Coach Kam was considered one of the all-time girls' basketball greats in the WPIAL after an All-American playing career at Clairton High School.
After concluding her career as a Nittany Lion and moving on to play professional in the WNBA and overseas, Gissendanner began her coaching career at St. Francis (PA) before taking over La Roche in 2012-13.
Coach Kam had to stints with the Redhawks from 2012-13 through 2016-17 before a one-year hiatus before returning in 2018-19.
Gissendanner is one of the winningest coaches in NCAA Women's Basketball, concluding her time with La Roche holding an overall record of 235-64 (.786) and a remarkable 177-14 (.927) record in AMCC play.
Coach Kam led the Redhawks to 10 AMCC Regular Season Championships and nine AMCC Tournament Championships.
Gissendanner would go on to coach, six AMCC Players of the Year (Jessica Pitts, Sabrina McLin, Jenna Cole, Ayanna Mazyck, Danajah Sanders, Machia Hairston), five Defensive Players of the Year, a Newcomer of the Year (Makayla Abram, 2021) and 27 AMCC All-Conference performers.
Message from La Roche University Director of Athletics, Jim Tinkey:
"Today we celebrate and thank Coach Gissendanner for an incredible tenure leading our women's basketball program. Under her leadership, our team not only brought home multiple championships, but also represented this university with class, resilience, and a relentless commitment to excellence."
"Coach Kam has been a cornerstone of our athletic community—mentoring student-athletes, building a winning culture, and setting a standard of integrity that will be felt for years to come. While we are sad to see her go, we are incredibly proud of the opportunity she has ahead and we know she will continue to do great things at St Vincent College."
"On behalf of the entire athletics department, thank you, Coach. You will always be a part of our family, and we wish you nothing but continued success in this next chapter."