WASHINGTON, Pa. - It is with great sadness that we share the news that Vicki Staton passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Vicki was a legendary women's volleyball and basketball coach, trailblazer for women's sports, and mentor to thousands of Washington & Jefferson College student-athletes.
 
A pioneer of women's athletics at W&J and the College's all-time coaching victory leader with 646 combined wins, Vicki devoted nearly four decades to building programs, mentoring student-athletes, and advancing opportunities for women in sports.
 
She began her volleyball coaching career on October 15, 1975, and went on to lead the program for 28 seasons, compiling 367 victories. Just a few months later, on January 15, 1976, she coached her first women's basketball game, directing the Presidents to 279 wins over 25 seasons.
 
"Vicki's impact is etched into our college's history forever," said Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Athletics Scott McGuinness. "To me, she is our NCAA Division III version of Pat Summitt. Her leadership and determination elevated women's sports at W&J and the PAC. We will miss her wit, charm, and wisdom."
 
A 2012 inductee into the W&J Athletics Hall of Fame, Vicki's volleyball squads secured five Presidents' Athletic Conference titles (1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999) and two ECAC South Region Championships (1996, 1997). She was honored as the PAC Volleyball Coach of the Year five times.
 
Her basketball teams captured seven Pennwood Athletic Conference Championships (1978-1981, 1983-1985), three Presidents' Athletic Conference titles (1994, 1996, 1998) and an ECAC Southern Division III Championship (1994). 
 
"Vicki touched the lives of countless young people during her remarkable tenure at W&J," added Head Women's Basketball Coach and Senior Woman Administrator Jina DeRubbo. "She was not only my mentor, but also a dear friend and trusted sounding board throughout our years together. She lived her life with purpose, empowering young women to believe in themselves and strive for greatness beyond sport. Her legacy will live on for many years to come."
 
Upon her retirement from head coaching, Vicki ranked 24th in NCAA Division III history for all-time coaching victories in both volleyball and basketball. In June 2001, she was inducted into the Washington-Greene chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Beyond the court, she served as W&J's director of physical education, wellness and intramurals, and spent one year as the interim director of athletics.
 
A Celebration of Life service is planned for Thursday, August 14, at 3:30 pm on the Washington & Jefferson College campus at Salvitti Family Gymnasium.