Penn State Behrend Athletics Mourns Loss of Catherine Healy

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Catherine Healy, a rising junior at Penn State Behrend and a two-year middle hitter the Lions' volleyball team, died early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash. She was 19.

Healy, a Connellsville, Pa., native and marketing major, was set to be one of the three captains on the 2013 Penn State Behrend volleyball squad when the team returned to campus on Aug. 19.

"Cat was absolutely beloved by her teammates and coaches," said head coach Phil Pisano. "She had such a kind spirit and beautiful soul, and brought tremendous joy and energy to our gym each day with her presence.

"Although this loss is devastating," Pisano said, "we feel blessed to have been a part of her life and will carry forward with us her spirit and enthusiasm."

Healy, a one-year starter on the squad, was just beginning to establish herself as one of the Lions' top players. Last season, she played in all 29 matches and led the conference with a .354 hitting percentage to earn All-Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) second-team honors.

Healy was a leader at the net, recording 277 kills and 65 blocks. She had double-digit kills in 13 matches, including a season-best 21 kills at Buffalo State on October 23, 2012.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at the Polish Falcon Club, 33 Rumbaugh Ave., Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666. Time is 11 a.m. From 12 p.m.- 2 p.m., everyone is invited to stay and pay their respects and celebrate the life of Catherine. They will also be taking donations through the Connellsville Class of 2011 that will go towards setting up a scholarship fund and other activities in her memory.

The Personal Counseling Office is open and available to any member of the campus community who may need their assistance.