PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After a thorough nationwide search, La Roche University Director of Athletics, Jim Tinkey, announced the hiring of Lexi Griggs as the new Head Women's Basketball Coach.
Griggs has a remarkable pedigree as a coach and a player that made her the perfect fit to join the Redhawks.
"We are thrilled to welcome Lexi Griggs to the LaRoche University athletics family as our new head women's basketball coach." said Tinkey "Her proven leadership and passion for developing student-athletes on and off the court will make her a great fit for our program. We are anxious to see the impact she will have on our student-athletes and the La Roche community."
Griggs joins the Redhawks after spending the 2024-25 season with Seton Hill, where she helped guide the Griffins to a 24-7 overall record, 16-4 record in PSAC play and a place in the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Atlantic Regional, alongside reigning PSAC Coach of the Year, Maeve Gallagher.
Last season, Griggs helped coach five All-PSAC West selections, including the Defensive Player of the Year, three First Team selections and a Second Team selection.
Furthermore, under the assistance of Griggs, the Griffins averaged their highest point per game total in over a decade, averaging 81.1 points per game, their best three-point shooting percentage in six years (31%) and its best field goal percentage in a decade (44.1%).
"First, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to lead," said Griggs. "I am deeply grateful to La Roche University President, Dr. Christina Clark and Director of Athletics, Jim Tinkey, for entrusting me with the women's basketball program. Also, to Katherine Golebie and Andrew Bott for their support and kindness throughout the transition."
Prior to Seton Hill, Griggs spent time at the NCAA DI level, at both North Carolina A&T as the Director of Basketball Operations and Robert Morris University, where she was the Compliance and Name, Image and Likeness Coordinator.
"I am very excited to represent La Roche as the head women's basketball coach," said Griggs. "From the beginning of this process it was clear to me La Roche is a place that values family and strives for excellence. The women's basketball program has a proud tradition of winning and I look forward to building on that strong foundation, fostering a culture of leadership, character and discipline. My mission is to help our student-athletes grow as competitors and as people, prepared for success both on and off the court. I can't wait to get started, to pour into our student-athletes and proudly represent the Redhawks."
Griggs got her start in coaching at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), immediately after concluding her playing career.
Griggs spent her first season as a volunteer coach, before quickly being promoted to assistant coach and Assistant Athletic Operations positions.
Griggs was a standout player at IUP, where she was a two-year starter and across over 120 games player, scored nearly 900 points, almost 450 rebounds and shot a fantastic 54.8% from the field, the fourth best mark in the program's history.
Griggs earned First Team All-PSAC West accolades her senior season and PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Year.
During her time as a player with IUP, the Crimson Hawks went a remarkable, 112-18, won three PSAC West Regular Season Championships, two PSAC Conference Tournament Championships, two NCAA DII Women's Basketball Tournament Atlantic Region Championships and consecutive NCAA Division II Semifinal appearances.
Griggs is no stranger to the area, as she attended Vincentian High School, where she helped lead the Lady Royals to four consecutive WPIAL Class 1A Championships, two PIAA Class 1A State Championships and was a Third Team All-State selection as a senior.
A native of Pittsburgh, Griggs earned her Bachelor of Science in Natural Science with a focus in Pre-Physical Therapy from IUP and her Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from St. Francis College.