General | 6/29/2026 1:07:00 PM

The entire Gannon University community is mourning the loss of former volleyball student-athlete and 2021, 2022 alumna Johanna Gregory, who passed away Friday.

"Johanna was a beloved member of our volleyball program and Gannon family, and we are deeply saddened by her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time," said Director of Athletics Meghan Morphy.

A native of Rochester, N.Y., and graduate of Penfield Senior High School, Gregory was a member of the Gannon women's volleyball program from 2017-20. She appeared in 43 matches during her Golden Knight career while excelling in the classroom, earning Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete honors in each of her four seasons (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020-21). Gregory also received the NCAA Division II Athletics Directors Association Academic Achievement Award following the 2019-20 academic year.

Gregory earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Gannon in 2021 before completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2022.

"The Gannon Volleyball program has suffered a terrible loss with the passing of Johanna Gregory," said Gannon head volleyball coach Matt Darling. "Jo was one of the kindest and most tender-hearted people I have ever known, and she gave so much of herself to everyone who was a part of our program during her time at Gannon. The heartbreak we're feeling right now has everything to do with how great of a person she was and how much we're going to miss her.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gregory family right now; and it is my hope that Jo's family, friends, teammates, and the rest of us who love her will find comfort in each other these next few days until our happy memories of Jo overpower our sadness. By remembering and celebrating Jo's goodness and generosity, we carry her spirit forward in our own lives; by keeping her good and generous spirit with us, we can increase her gifts to her community."

Visitation will be held Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Falvo Funeral Home, 1295 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road, Webster, N.Y., 14580. A memorial service will take place Friday at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 2576 Browncroft Blvd., Rochester, N.Y., 14625, with a reception to follow at Arbor Loft in Rochester.

Any student, staff or faculty member who is having a difficult time coping with this loss is encouraged to visit or contact the Gannon University Student Health and Counseling Center. As a community of faith and prayer, the Gannon University family continues to keep Johanna's family, friends, former teammates and loved ones in its prayers.