Gianna

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What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Gia loves the hustle and she LOVES to compete. She says, “I love when I win, and if I lose, I learn from it.” She seeks out camps, coaches and athletes who challenge her because she always wants to get better. Before walking into a gym, she tells herself, “I’m the best one here. No one can beat me.” It isn’t about believing she has nothing left to learn—it’s how she teaches herself to walk in fearless. Win or lose, she stays Gia, learns, works and comes back confident.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

When asked who inspires her, G’s first answer was simply, “My mom and my dad.” We believe in her dreams, make the sacrifices, drive the miles and give her every opportunity we can to grow. She also looks up to Paige Bueckers, A’ja Wilson, Skylar Diggins and Juliana Guy(our local legend and rising national champion).Watching strong female athletes at different levels shows her what’s possible when talent meets hard work. We give her the confidence to dream big; they inspire her to stay locked in!

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

What makes me proudest is Gia’s hunger to grow. She’s often the youngest and smallest, going head-to-head with girls 3–4 years older, but she never plays like it. At 11, she’s already mindful of her health and asks to work out, practice and attend camps—she truly can’t get enough. Everywhere we go, she gains fans; coaches, directors and parents seek us out to recognize her. As her mom, watching others see what I see leaves me in awe that I got lucky enough to raise someone so special!