Gabby Viola – Police Athletic
League PAL
Western PA Police Athletic League
Gabby comes from a third-generation martial arts family rooted in the Allegheny Shotokan Karate tradition—and she is also a third-generation ambassador of the Police Athletic League (PAL). This Pittsburgh-based dojo has produced generations of champions, coaches, and community leaders, with both her father and grandfather playing influential roles in shaping the region’s martial arts landscape. Throughout Gabby’s journey, one constant has remained: the unwavering support of Western Pennsylvania PAL.
Gabby Viola’s story is deeply connected not only to her family’s martial arts legacy, but also to the history of PAL in Western Pennsylvania—a program defined by mentorship, discipline, and community leadership. For decades, the Viola family has believed in using martial arts as a powerful tool for youth development, structure, and positive engagement with law enforcement. Long before Gabby stepped onto the world stage, her grandfather (Bill Viola Sr.) and father (Bill Viola Jr.) were active supporters and partners of Western PA PAL, sharing its core values. In the 1980s, Bill Viola Jr. proudly represented PAL during Nancy Reagan’s national “Say No to Drugs” campaign in Los Angeles, California—using martial arts to promote discipline and respect, strengthen police–youth relationships, and help young people build confidence, character, and opportunity through sport. Gabby’s dad is a former National Police PAL of the Year.
PAL was never just a program to the Viola family—it became part of their culture and identity.
That legacy directly intersects with Jimmy Cvetic, one of the most influential figures in the history of Pittsburgh Boxing and the founder of Western Pennsylvania PAL. Widely respected and deeply missed, Cvetic was a legendary Pittsburgh Police officer, PAL founder, and mentor who dedicated his life to giving young people a safe, structured place to grow through athletics.
In the late 1970s, Cvetic and Gabby’s grandfather, Bill Viola Sr., forged a close friendship rooted in their shared passion for the fight game—boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts. Their bond reflected a mutual belief in early intervention through sport, strong adult role models, and programs that kept kids on a positive path regardless of background. Karate programs connected to Allegheny Shotokan naturally complemented PAL’s boxing and athletic initiatives, expanding opportunities for youth who might not otherwise have access to structured training or mentorship. Jimmy is a member of the Kumite Classic Hall of Fame.
RIP “Uncle JImmy” Cvetic founder of Western PA PAL
Gabby represents the next generation of that shared vision.
As a lifelong member and ambassador of Western PA PAL, she continues the work started by leaders like Jimmy Cvetic and carried forward by her family:
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Competing at the highest international levels while remaining grounded in service
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Representing discipline, resilience, and respect
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Giving back to the PAL programs that helped shape her growth
In many ways, Gabby is a living bridge between eras:
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From Jimmy Cvetic’s foundational PAL leadership
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To her family’s role in integrating martial arts into youth development
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To today’s global stage, where she represents Pittsburgh, PAL, and Team USA with pride
As Bill Viola Jr. says:
“Jimmy Cvetic built the platform. PAL created the pathway. Our family helped strengthen the bridge. Gabby now carries it forward.”
Together, they tell a uniquely Pittsburgh story—one where martial arts, law enforcement, and community service come together to change lives
Today, Glolria Sztukowski carries on Jimmy’s legacy and spearheads the Western PA Police Athletic League movement.
FYI: Did you know that Jimmy Cvetic was the narrator for the 2017 SHOWTIME documentary “Tough Guys” about the the rise and fall of MMA in Pittsburgh, before the UFC. It is based on the book “Godfather of MMA” written by Bill VIola Jr.
Gabby has a history of being an ambassador and advocate for causes such as Parkinson’s’ disease and IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease). She has raised funds for research for PIND (Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases) helping to transforming cutting-edge science into novel therapies and diagnostics that directly influence individuals affected by neurodegenerative diseases and Crohn’s Colitis Foundation as a lobbyist.
