Gianna Ruggeroli, a native of Las Vegas, Nev., will join the Bronco volleyball team this summer for the 2014 season. Standing at 5'10, Ruggeroli will be a libero and outside hitter for the Broncos.
"Gianna is an explosive athlete who plays with tremendous passion and enthusiasm," said Bronco head coach Jon Wallace. "Gianna will drive the competition in our gym on a daily basis; as she is extremely competitive and will raise the level of play in our gym. I am also excited to train Gianna on the sand. Her skill set will transfer well to the sand game."
Ruggeroli is coming off of a stellar career at Bishop Gorman High School where her team won the Sunset Conference title three of her four years. Individually Ruggeroli was an Honorable Mention selection her sophomore year and First Team All Conference her junior year. Her senior year she was the Southwest Division MVP, the Sunset Conference MVP and LVI - All-Tournament.
Ruggeroli spoke of the high bar she has set for herself both on the court and in the classroom on the Mission campus. "I plan to graduate Santa Clara with a dual degree in Political Science and English. After that, I look forward to going to law school. I will work to accomplish my goal of being an Academic All-American. In my time at Santa Clara, I will strive to help my team win WCC titles and progress far into the NCAA Tournament."
Ruggeroli's family is extremely well versed in the language of college athletics. Her father, Edward Ruggeroli, played football at Utah State; her uncle, Chuck Ruggeroli, played football and basketball at UNLV; another uncle, Nick Ruggeroli, played football at Fresno State; and her grandfather, Charlie Ruggeroli, played basketball at USF.
Whenever she has free time she enjoys spending it most with her family, reading, and volunteering. She is also interested in anthropology and the development of cultures. She does CrossFit as a hobby as well.
Ruggeroli chose Santa Clara not only for its competitive volleyball program, but also for its top-notch education. "I have come to realize that sooner or later, there will be a life after volleyball. It comforts me knowing that I will be very well prepared for the real world with the academic background I will earn at Santa Clara University. The first time I visited the campus, I was in awe of its physical beauty. Every student/professor/coach I was fortunate to speak with seemed beyond grateful to be apart of such an amazing community.
"Santa Clara felt like a home away from home, even on the first visit," continued Ruggeroli. "I also appreciate how involved Santa Clara is within its own community - in hopes to aid and benefit those of the less fortunate. Santa Clara not only reaches out to the boundaries of its society, however, but stretches across the globe in faith for prosperity and enlightenment amongst everyone."
