Pittsburgh Woman Crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania 2008

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 01, 2008 – Shelley Bortz Ligashesky of Pittsburgh, was crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania America 2008 at the York Theater in York, PA on May 30th, 2008.  Ligashesky competed against 13 other married Pennsylvania women for the state title, and will represent the Keystone State in the Mrs. America Pageant in early September.

Ligashesky, 34, is a Uniontown native and graduate of Gannon University, where she earned a B.A. in communications.  She has been a television anchor and news reporter for eight years, and is married Bob Ligashesky, Special Teams Coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  A talented athlete and sports enthusiast, Ligashesky attended college on a full basketball scholarship and is currently the public address announcer for the University of Pittsburgh women’s basketball team, the Lady Panthers.  In 2002, as a reporter at the NBC station WTAP in Parkersburg, WV, Ligashesky was honored to be chosen by her peers to carry the Olympic Torch in the Salt Lake Olympic Torch Relay. “It was such an honor to be part of something that has always brought so many countries together in peace,” she says of the experience.

In her free time Ligashesky enjoys running, kick-boxing, hiking, biking, playing tennis and taking walks with her husband Bob and dog Bella.  

Ligashesky won the pageant on her first attempt.  “I was in total disbelief that my name was called,” she says.  “My sister competed in the 2008 Miss Pennsylvania USA pageant and placed in the top 15.  She did so well for her first pageant she inspired me to enter my first pageant!  Not to mention, I wanted to win!”

As Mrs. Pennsylvania America, Ligashesky believes she has an important message to deliver during the coming year.  Fourteen years ago, she overcame devastating injuries, when the car she was riding in was struck by a drunk driver. Her best friend was killed, and Ligashesky sustained multiple broken bones and serious internal injuries. “My doctors told my family that if I made it through surgery, I most likely wouldn't walk again,” said Ligashesky. “When I heard the prognosis, I was devastated.  But, I wasn’t going to feel sorry for myself. I was going to do something about it!”  Eighteen months later, through hard work and sheer will, and despite five pounds of metals plates and rods in her body, Ligashesky proved the doctor’s wrong, and was once again a starting player on her college basketball team.

“I feel I can be an inspiration to others because I believed in myself and overcame a tragedy by never giving up.  I wasn't taking no for an answer.  I wanted something so badly and went after it and achieved it,” she says.    

As Mrs. Pennsylvania American 2008, Ligashesky will travel the state representing married women, and plans to use her title as a tool to increase the awareness of driving while intoxicated.  “My experience is a testament to the importance of eliminating drunk driving once and for all.  I look forward to traveling statewide as an advocate for organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, among others.”

For interviews with Mrs. Ligashesky, or for more information on the Mrs. Pennsylvania America Pageant, please call 302-420-1221, or email info@mrspaamerica.com.