Heather Pescatello was a three-time sailing All-American. She was named All-American Crew in 1998, 1999 and 2000, and helped lead ODU to the ICYRA Co-Ed Dinghy national title in 1998 in New Orleans. Pescatello also helped the Monarchs win A Division at the America Trophy and place fifth at the ICYRA Dinghy National Championships in 1999, as she teamed with Mark Zagol to place second in A Division.

In 2000, Pescatello placed second at War Memorial regatta and took first in A Division at the America Trophy. She graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary studies at ODU.

She currently lives in Pawcatuck, CT. and is married to another ODU sailing standout Mark Zagol who is the head coach for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Heather is currently teaching fifth grade students at Pawcatuck Middle School.

Heather was inducted into the ODU Sports Hall of Fame on April 29, 2008.