PITTSBURGH, Pa. - It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the La Roche University Department of Athletics announces the passing of women's basketball assistant coach, Robert "Greenie" Greenleaf on Wednesday, June 4.
"Coach Greenleaf was a big part of our women's basketball program," said La Roche University Director of Athletics, Jim Tinkey. "His passion for the game and our team could be seen every time he walked into our gym. His presence will surely be missed."
A native of Murraysville, Pa. and a graduate of Franklin Regional High School, basketball was a true love to Coach Greenie. That passion went from playing in high school to then attending the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a manager for the basketball team.
Greenie, a teacher at North Allegheny High School throughout his career by day, continued coaching, doing so for several high school and collegiate teams, including leading the 1997 Franklin Regional Panthers to the PIAA State Championship Game and runner-up finish. That team still holds a program record for wins with a final record of 29-4 and was also ranked nationally by USA Today.
Later in his career, Greenie would join head women's basketball coach, Kam Gissendanner, and the La Roche athletic family for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 campaigns, then would return in 2022-23 and had been a mainstay ever since.
"We are heartbroken to have lost Coach Greenleaf," said Gissendanner. "He has been a staple in the La Roche women's basketball program and worked tiredlessly for the success of the program. His contributions to our young women's lives and my life will have a lasting impact on us all. When I look down the sideline for advice and input this upcoming season, it will be quite difficult. I will have to remember to look up instead and he will be right beside us."
During his time as an assistant under Gissendanner, Greenie helped lead the program to a tremendous 110-27 overall record, an AMCC record of 78-5, a winning streak of 47 games in a row in AMCC play, four AMCC regular season and tournament championships, as well as four trips to the NCAA DIII Women's Basketball Tournament.
The accolades received by the players during his time as assistant coach included, three AMCC Players of the Year, two AMCC Defensive Players of the Year, 16 All-AMCC selections, multiple All-Region 7 selections and Coach Gissendanner won three AMCC Coach of the Year awards with Greenie by her side.
Quotes about Coach Greenie from colleagues, friends and former players:
"Greenie was not just a basketball legend, he was an amazing teacher and friend to all. The Redhawks lost a great one." - Hermie Carmichael (La Roche men's basketball coach)
"We are heartbroken by the loss of Coach Greenie. He has been a dedicated assistant coach and was instrumental for our women's basketball program, helping guide our student-athletes to become champions on and off the court. He will be truly missed." - Katherine Golebie (La Roche University Associate Athletic Director/Senior Women's Administrator)
"Coach Greenie was all basketball all the time. He taught the game to anyone who would listen and did so at a high level. The positive attitude he brought to the athletic department was felt every day he was on campus." - Andrew Bott (La Roche University Assistant Athletic Director - Operations)
"Greenie had a very genuine spirit. His passion for the game and the team was always present and I learned a lot from him over the years. When I reflect on the many memories I have with him, I will always remember his smile, fiery screams and many Pitt stories. Thank you for everything, you will truly be missed, "playa"." - Dasja Anderson (La Roche women's basketball Class of 2025)
"Greenie was like no coach I've had before. It was always tough love with him, but it was something that I always needed. He kept me down to earth and made sure I was always humble. What made him himself was always overexplaining at practice, which we loved because it gave us a chance to get our breathe back. He always had great insight into the game and was extremely passionate. I will hold his words closely, even in my everyday life. It's more than basketball; he will forever be a champion in our hearts. Love you Gritty." - Makayla Abram (La Roche women's basketball Class of 2025)
"Greenie was a very passionate and caring person, a great coach and an even better person. He was family and treated us like one of his own. He will truly be missed." - Machia Hairston (La Roche women's basketball Class of 2024)
"Grennie knew how to light up a room. He always found a way to crack a joke or make us laugh, even during our toughest moments. He cared for us players as if we were one of his own. He will surely be missed." - Casie Cygan (La Roche women's basketball Class of 2014)
"Coach Greenie was one of a kind. He was a great coach with a sharp basketball mind and an even sharper sense of humor. We butted heads from time-to-time, but that's what made our bond real. He never stopped being there for me no matter what. I'll miss his jokes and his friendship every day, but I will especially miss him referring to me as the "Asian Assassin." Coach Greenie was loved and will be truly missed. - Danielle Allen (Former La Roche women's basketball player)
"Greenie adored La Roche and had the greatest sense of humor. His love for La Roche was infectious and he brought joy to everyone around him with his witty remarks. Besides being funny, he was incredibly smart, always coming up with clever strategies for his team. His intelligence showed through in his ability to adapt and out-think the competition. He had a heart full of love and was always supporting/encouraging his players. His positive impact extended beyond the court, touching the lives of many. His legacy was defined by his humor, intelligence and the love he shared with those around him. You will be greatly missed green bean." - Cassandra Fonzi (La Roche women's basketball team manager)
"I knew Rob for 45 years. He was an intelligent young man, went on to earn his master's and was passionate about teaching and coaching. He led Franklin Regional to the PIAA Finals in 1997 and was so talented and organized as a coach from early in his career. He will be sadly missed." - Bob Bozzuto (North Allegheny High School Athletic Director)
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 7 from 6-8 p.m. and Sunday, June 8 from 2-6 p.m. at Hart Funeral Home Inc. in Murraysville. A service will be held on Monday, June 9 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Murraysville.
If you would like to send condolences to the Greenleaf family, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com. To send flowers or plant a tree in honor of Coach Greenie, please visit https://www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/Robert-Greenleaf/sympathy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Greenleaf family at this time and we are proud to call Coach Greenie a Redhawk for life.