Nominated for the State Champ Network Player of the year, Miss Volleyball and the American Volleyball Coaches Association, Varsity captain Gabby DiVita `26 is South’s top volleyball player and is committed to the University of Nebraska as a division one player.
Having played volleyball for nine years, she has truly found a love for the sport. Gabby DiVita is driven by her will to win and ability to lead, which she believes this award helps to prove.
“It gives me a lot to work towards,” Gabby DiVita said. “But, I think it’s a good feeling because all the hard work is paying off.”
Having a strong bond with her teammates and coaches has only strengthened her love for the sport. Teammates such as Brooke Hepner `27 have even mentioned how much they look up to Gabby DiVita.
“She is passionate about the sport and she really cares about how our team does,” Hepner said. ‘She’s supportive on and off the court. In practice, she’s always helping others, giving good tips [and is] helpful and caring.”
Gabby DiVita noted that when playing high school volleyball, she can regain her love for the sport, but during club, she is more focused on skill and competing. Doing both club and school volleyball, Varsity coach and Gabby DiVita’s mom, Janeil DiVita, believes it has taught her a balance.
“She has had to learn to kind of balance that [her friendships with teammates] and be a leader,” Janeil DiVita said. “And not necessarily change her style of play, but be able to just kind of understand her teammates may not have the same mindset.”
Gabby DiVita grew up with volleyball in the house, due to both her mom and sister playing throughout high school and college. From there, she spent her time with them in the gym, gaining a true passion for the sport.
“My mom coached the club when my sister started playing too,” Gabby DiVita said. “I was little, and I was just in the gym and there’s not much else to do besides play volleyball when you’re there. So [I] just did that for the whole time, basically. And after that, I knew I wanted to do it.”
