June 24, 2008

PITTSBURGH--Assistant Athletic Media Relations Director Mendy Nestor was named the 2008 University Division recipient of the Rising Star Award by the College Sports Information Directors of America, and will be honored at an awards brunch on July 1 during the 2008 CoSIDA Convention.

"I am really humbled by this honor and want to thank CoSIDA for the recognition," Nestor said. "I have been blessed to be surrounded by amazing and supportive people during my time in athletics, including our current staff at Pitt, and this award is nothing but a reflection of their investment in me."

The Rising Star Award is presented annually to a university division and a college division member with 10 years of full-time service or less in the sport information profession for service, dedication, energy and enthusiasm that make the individual a "rising star."

Nestor joined Pitt's media relations department in the fall of 2006 and has been responsible for the publicity and promotion of women's basketball and baseball, and serving as the secondary contact for football.

As the women's basketball contact, Nestor was heavily involved in the 2007 NCAA Women's Basketball First and Second Rounds, which marked the first time Pitt hosted the tournament. She has also handled day-to-day requests for Pitt's first-ever WNBA signee Marcedes Walker, this past season.

Previously, Nestor served as the Associate Media Relations Director at Auburn University (2000-06), where her 2003-04 women's basketball media guide cover garnered "Best in the Nation" honors.

Additionally, she held tenures at East Carolina University (1999-2000) and Host Communications (1998-99). Nestor's ties to Pittsburgh include a 1997 internship with the Pittsburgh Penguins Community and Public Relations Office.

A 1998 graduate from West Virginia University, she earned her degree in journalism with a special emphasis on public relations after interning in the Mountaineer Sports Information office (1997-98).