Shelley Bortz Biography: KDKA Reporter, Age, Husband, Tragedy

November 30, 2024 Kylee Myers Biographies 0

Shelley Bortz is an Emmy-Nominated Reporter at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. Her background includes a college basketball career at Gannon University and holding the title of Mrs. Pennsylvania America.
Shelley Bortz, an Emmy-Nominated Reporter for KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh

From Court to Camera: The Resilient Life of KDKA’s Shelley Bortz

Shelley Bortz is one of Pittsburgh’s most recognizable faces in local news. An Emmy-nominated KDKA-TV reporter, she’s known for her clear, compassionate, and unwavering on-air presence.

But her compelling career on camera is just the final chapter in a life defined by high-level athleticism, pageant wins, and a breathtaking comeback from a life-altering tragedy.

Bortz’s story isn’t about simply reading the teleprompter—it’s a powerful lesson in perseverance that makes her a rare public figure whose life is as inspiring as the stories she covers.

The Vitals: Age, Family, and Hometown Roots

Born on February 26, 1974, Shelley Bortz is currently 51 years old as of 2025. Her birthday places her under the thoughtful, artistic sign of Pisces.

A proud native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Bortz’s roots in Western Pennsylvania run deep, making her reporting for KDKA-TV a true homecoming.

  • Age (2025): 51 years old
  • Birthday: February 26, 1974

Shelley grew up in a supportive, sports-loving family. Her parents, George Bortz III and Christine Andrews, instilled a dedication to athletics that she shared with her older brother, George Bortz IV.

In a beautiful reflection of her family’s impact, her father was inducted into the Fayette County Sports Hall of Fame alongside her in 2021, making them the first father-daughter duo to be honored.

The Sportswoman: Shattering Records on the Court

Before she was chasing deadlines, Shelley Bortz was shattering records on the basketball court.

At Geibel Catholic High School in Uniontown, she became a local legend, setting school records with 1,977 career points and over 1,000 rebounds. Her prowess earned her the title of WPIAL Class AA Player of the Year.

Shelley Bortz’s talent took her to Gannon University (1992–1997) on a full basketball scholarship, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Her discipline and dedication from these years would prove invaluable in her future professional and personal challenges.

The Unbreakable Spirit: A Reporter’s Deepest Story

Every biography touches on achievements, but Bortz’s story of resilience is truly what defines her.

In a terrible moment on April 1, 1994, during her time at Gannon, Shelley was a backseat passenger in a devastating, high-speed car crash caused by a drunk driver who ran a stop sign.

The consequences were profound:

  • Tragic Loss: Her best friend and Gannon teammate, Kerri Welc, tragically died from her injuries.
  • Severe Injuries: Shelley suffered life-threatening injuries, including a shattered pelvis, multiple broken bones, and internal organ damage. She required extensive surgery, leaving her with five pounds of metal in her body.
  • A Triumphant Return: Doctors predicted she might never walk or play basketball again. Yet, after three months in a wheelchair and a year of grueling rehabilitation, she made a remarkable and courageous return to the Gannon court. She played the season wearing her late teammate’s jersey as a symbol of remembrance and determination.

This personal tragedy continues to shape her empathetic approach to reporting, especially on stories involving loss, crime, and community resilience. She has since volunteered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), turning her pain into advocacy.

The Career Path: From Small Towns to Pittsburgh’s Big Desk

Shelley Bortz’s journalism career is a classic case study in paying your dues—moving from smaller regional markets to major cities, honing her skills every step of the way.

After securing early internships at WJET (Erie) and FOX Sports Pittsburgh, she built a diverse resume across the country:

  • First Roles: Started as a weekend anchor/reporter in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and then worked as an anchor/reporter in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Steubenville, Ohio.
  • Big Market Experience: Took on reporting roles in larger markets like Jacksonville, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri, sharpening her on-the-scene reporting and investigative skills.
  • The Homecoming: She returned to the competitive Pittsburgh media market in 2015, working for six years at WPXI-TV.

This progression ultimately led her to a key position at KDKA-TV (CBS Pittsburgh), where she joined as a full-time reporter in October 2021. Reporting in her home region, she brings a deep understanding of local issues—from community initiatives to breaking news investigations—that resonates powerfully with the Pittsburgh audience. Her quality work has earned her an Emmy nomination.

More Than a Reporter: Pageant Titles and PA Announcing

Bortz is not only a journalist and a former athlete; she’s also a celebrated public speaker and titleholder. These non-journalism roles showcase her poise and dedication to community:

  • Pageant Titles: She held the prestigious titles of Mrs. Pennsylvania America and Mrs. Ohio United States.
  • Sports Announcing: She served for three seasons as the Public Address Announcer for the University of Pittsburgh Women’s Basketball Team, blending her broadcasting talent with her love of the game.

Family and Personal Life: Husband Bob Ligashesky

Shelley Bortz is happily married to Bob Ligashesky, a well-known figure in the world of professional and collegiate football. Ligashesky is an experienced coach who has served as a special teams coordinator for numerous teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers during their 2008 Super Bowl XLIII championship season, and at major colleges like Syracuse University.

  • Husband: Bob Ligashesky (Professional Football Coach)
  • Daughter: Sydney (born in 2009)
  • Pet: A beloved puppy named Phoenix

The family lives in the Pittsburgh area, a perfect balance for their demanding careers and love for athletics. Shelley, standing at an estimated 5 feet 7 inches tall, maintains her athletic physique through an active lifestyle that includes basketball, tennis, and kickboxing—a clear continuation of her deep-rooted commitment to fitness.

Net Worth and Financial Insight

Shelley Bortz’s decades-long career in broadcast journalism across multiple markets, culminating in a prominent role at a major-market station like KDKA-TV, has resulted in a solid financial standing.

  • Estimated Net Worth: Between $1 million and $5 million.
  • Estimated Annual Salary: Her reporter salary is estimated to range from $45,000 to $120,500 annually, consistent with a veteran journalist in the Pittsburgh market.

The KDKA News Team: Bortz’s Colleagues

Shelley Bortz works alongside an accomplished roster of anchors and journalists at KDKA-TV, contributing to one of the most trusted news organizations in Western Pennsylvania. Her colleagues include:

  • Ray Petelin and Ron Smiley (Meteorologists)
  • Andy Sheehan (Political and Investigative Reporter)
  • John Shumway (Veteran Reporter)

Together, they uphold the station’s reputation for comprehensive and reliable news coverage in the region.

Summary Table

Category Details
Full Name Shelley Bortz
Profession Emmy-nominated Journalist and TV News Reporter
Current Position Reporter at KDKA-TV (CBS Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania
Previous Stations WPXI-TV (Pittsburgh), Steubenville (OH), Parkersburg (WV), Scottsbluff (NE), Jacksonville (FL), St. Louis (MO)
Years Active 1997–Present
Known For In-depth reporting on crime, community issues, and investigations in Pittsburgh
Education B.A. in Communications, Gannon University (1997) — Basketball Scholarship
High School Geibel Catholic High School, Uniontown, Pennsylvania
Age (as of 2025) 51 years
Date of Birth February 26, 1974
Zodiac Sign Pisces
Ethnicity / Nationality White / American
Parents George Bortz III and Christine Andrews
Siblings George Bortz IV (brother) and a sister (former Miss Pennsylvania contestant)
Spouse Bob Ligashesky (Football Coach, Syracuse University; former NFL coach)
Children One daughter, Sydney (born 2009)
Residence Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pet Puppy named Phoenix

Height

 ~5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
Weight ~135–145 lbs (61–66 kg)
Body Measurements 34-26-36 inches (Athletic Build)
Hair / Eye Color Blonde / Blue
Dress / Shoe Size Dress 4–6 (US) / Shoe 8–9 (US)
Net Worth (Est.) $1 million – $5 million
Salary (Est.) $45,000 – $120,500 annually
Notable Achievements Mrs. Pennsylvania America (2008), Mrs. Ohio United States (2010), Fayette County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2020–2021), Distinguished Alumni of Geibel Catholic HS
Sports Background Former College Basketball Player; Hall of Fame Athlete
Public Service Public Address Announcer – University of Pittsburgh Women’s Basketball Team (3 seasons)
Major Tragedy Survived a 1994 drunk-driving crash that killed teammate Kerri Welc; suffered severe injuries but returned to play college basketball after a year-long recovery
Advocacy Volunteer for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); supports the Kerri A. Welc Memorial Scholarship
Lifestyle / Fitness Active lifestyle with running, swimming, biking, tennis, and family activities; maintains strong fitness discipline from her athletic and pageant background
Signature Reporting Areas Crime, justice, local investigations, and community impact stories

Sources:

About Kylee Myers 18 Articles
Kylee Ann Myers is a writer and content creator at The Hiddenfigures, where she develops compelling, research-driven media and organizational communications. A graduate of Albany State University with a B.A. in Mass Communication (Public Relations & Strategic Communication), she delivers purpose-driven narratives that spotlight diverse voices and overlooked triumphs. Her work at The Hiddenfigures drives the platform's vision by producing authentic, brand-elevating content, including media outreach and immersive strategic narratives. Kylee is celebrated for her seamless consistency, innovative flair, and editorial excellence, making her an indispensable force on the team. She champions the power of narrative, relentlessly amplifying voices that bridge divides, spark empathy, and honor the quiet revolutions shaping our world. Her published articles and features are regularly showcased on The Hiddenfigures. Contact: [email protected]

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