Athlete Spotlight
Hometown
Tumwater, Wash. |
High
School
Tumwater |
Year
Senior |
Major
Nursing |
Gina Di Maggio, a two-time first team All-Northwest
Conference selection, joins a decade-long line of outstanding
setters in the Pacific Lutheran volleyball program. Last year,
Di Maggio helped lead the Lutes to a conference co-championship
and into the NCAA tournament while also receiving all-region and
honorable mention All-America honors.
Describe
any hardships or extenuating circumstances that you have faced
to get to where you are today.
When I was a freshman in high school I was getting ready to go
into my first season of school volleyball. In the beginning of
that September my brother, Nino Di Maggio, passed away in a car
accident. He was 18 and my only sibling. I didn’t want to
go back to school, let alone play volleyball. However, I did go
back and volleyball turned out to be one of the biggest blessings
in my life. It helped me get through one of the roughest times
in my life by allowing me to be a part of a different kind of
family, giving me goals to strive for, and helping me to make
life long friends. Volleyball became a strong base from which
my family and I could harvest good energy and also support one
another. I wish my brother could watch me play now, and I feel
in a way I am always playing for him.
How has your family helped to get you where
you are athletically?
Without the support and upbringing of my parents I can’t
imagine where I’d be. In fact, I don’t even like to
think about it. My parents' attitude has always been to support
and love me no matter the outcome. As long as I tried my best,
struck out swinging, gave that last ditch effort to touch the
ball, my parents were proud. Even if I didn’t, it was nothing
but hugs. They pushed me to do better without ever pushing me
over the edge to where the game wasn’t enjoyable any longer.
I’m almost done with my career in sports now and I can’t
believe I won't be looking at them in the stands anymore. They
won't miss a game this year just like the rest. Before each game
I run and give them hello hugs; it’s the least I can do
for the two reasons I am on the court today.
What
were the major contributing factors toward your decision to attend
PLU?
Pacific Lutheran has a wonderful community atmosphere. Everyone
is friendly and we support one another. Mostly it was because
PLU gave me a larger academic scholarship than UPS.
Describe your study-abroad experience.
I traveled to Trinidad and Tobago over J-term in 2006.
It was amazing! Such an eye-opener to how another country views
the US. I visited the schools, community outreach programs, and
the medical facilities that were available to the surrounding
community and learned so much about the life and people of Tobago.
I’d go again in a heartbeat.
What has been your favorite class at PLU?
My favorite class at PLU was Nursing 370 Obstetrics with Professor
Wood. I’m a nursing major so we really get to take some
amazing courses that involve hands-on learning and helping others.
The program is so beneficial to one’s being and you really
develop a sense of passion for your future profession. I can’t
wait to graduate! Woo hoo!
What are your plans after college?
As of now I am planning to go on in school and get my masters
in nursing at Montana State University in Bozeman.
Has it been difficult to balance athletics
with academics?
Yes, difficult but worth it. I’m a firm believer
that if you have two passions in your life you shouldn’t
have to choose between the two - work as hard as is needed to
obtain both. That’s what I have done. I’ve gone through
my college experience with countless people telling me its not
possible to do a sport and nursing or just asking me how I do
it. I just tell them that I have to make it happen because I refuse
to choose between two things that I love.
When your athletic career is all said and
done what is it that you would want people to say about you?
I want people to say that I was a good teammate and a good leader.
I want them to say that I led by example and was respectful and
courteous to those around me. I want them to recognize the love
I have for the game and how much I enjoy myself when we’re
playing a fierce team and the floor is wet from sweaty bodies!
I want them to also say that I was one hell of a setter!
Describe your hometown and what do you miss
most about it?
I’m from Tumwater. Its pretty and I feel that the
ideals that my high school program were based on helped to build
a good foundation for the type of athlete I am today. I miss my
family, our log cabin, our horses and my puppies, but other than
that I’m happy with where I am. I’ll be stoked to
leave Parkland. Woo, super stoked.
What is your favorite place on campus?
The gym, iInside the painted lines of our volleyball
court.
What is your favorite restaurant in Tacoma?
Big fan of Safeway. I can get whatever I want there.
Al I have to do it call my mama and ask her how to make it. I
guess Anthony’s on the waterfront is pretty great, too.
What song is playing on your ipod before
a game or event?
"Free Your Mind" by En Vogue. This summer my best friend
from Arizona and I would sing it at the top of our lungs and it
just gets me excited for life!
Read more
about senior outside hitter Stacie Matz
Read more about senior
libero Megan Kosel
