Gianna Aguglia Looks to Help North Catholic Volleyball Run it Back; Committed to Wilmington College Volleyball

“The North Catholic volleyball team is not just a team to me, it’s a family, I am so beyond blessed that God gave me teammates who are amazing people on and off the court. I am so thankful for all of my coaches, and especially head coach Amanda Fetter. She had created a volleyball program that has changed my life for the better. At my lowest points in my life something that I always had was this volleyball team.”

(Photos submitted by Gianna Aguglia)

No matter what’s in store for Gianna Aguglia and the North Catholic Trojans in the 2022 season, she’s added great memories, mentors, and sisters along the way. Coming off of a state title victory in 2021, it is difficult to imagine a better season in 2022. However, it’s not stopping the program from trying as Aguglia explained.

“The two words that I could classify the motivation as is “last ride”. We all want success this year, badly and know how to have a good time while putting in the work at the same time. Honestly, to be real, a lot of people can view our lives as “picture perfect”, but that’s not reality. We have all gone through adversity in life, and I can confidently say that this volleyball team has changed all of our lives for the better. We all strive for success, and one of our final goals to achieve as being a part of the North Catholic volleyball team is winning that state title again. We don’t just do this for ourselves, we do it for each other. That feeling of achievement is one of the best things I have ever experienced.”

Aguglia has been playing the game of volleyball since the seventh grade, but the future Wilmington College Quaker had an interesting journey to become a college volleyball player. Her seventh grade season was cut short due to injury and was followed up by an eighth grade year in which she decided to focus on CrossFit training instead of middle school volleyball. In fact, there was a point in her life where she thought her time playing volleyball would be over, but a last minute decision changed everything.

“Coming to North Catholic was a last minute decision, and so was playing for the volleyball team. I decided the night before tryouts that I wanted to play, and it was the best decision of my entire life.”

What’s ensued for the rising senior is being a part of two WPIAL titles, a state title, and joining Renaissance Volleyball Club. 

“Playing club at Renaissance was such an amazing experience. I met so many talented and hard working athletes. I worked with coaches who’s inspiration I will cherish forever. Renaissance gave me the opportunity to become a better and more well rounded athlete every year that I played there, and I couldn’t have been where I am today without every athlete and coach who pushed me to be the best possible athlete that I could be. It is amazing to me that numerous coaches there saw my potential even when I didn’t. When someone has faith in you, it is one of the most inspiring feelings because it pushes you to become the athlete that you’ve always wanted to be.”

In her senior year, Aguglia will also be making a comeback to track and field after a devastating junior year in the sport in which she suffered a broken leg. Unfortunately, this was not one of the first times an injury has slowed her down. However, she’s been able to overcome these hurdles along the way, an attribute that’s allowed her to get to where she is today.

At Wilmington, she plans to major in sports journalism and is hopeful to share the stories of athletes and teams around the NFL someday. 

Life sometimes has a funny way of working out. Gianna Aguglia almost didn’t attend North Catholic or try out for the volleyball team. More importantly though, these opportunities have helped her meet her best friends and amazing coaches who have all impacted her life in a positive way. Soon, she will look to do her part to help the Trojans win another state title while also getting ready to represent the Quakers the best way she can starting in 2023.

Best of luck in your senior year, Gianna! Thank you for the chance to share your story 🏐 ✍️