Women's Volleyball Update: Gaby Palmeri
11/22/2016 8:13:00 AM | Women's Volleyball, Competing With Purpose Blog
Heading into her final match as a Wave tonight,senior outside hitter Gaby Palmeri writes about all that she has gained bybeing a student-athlete on the Pepperdine women's volleyball team as well as amember of the University community:
I have had a very unique college athletic experience. In my four years at Pepperdine, I have had three head coaches, and my class that started out with seven girls, is graduating three. Though throughout all the change that the indoor women's volleyball program has undergone while I have been a part of it, what has remained constant is the team's resilience. Regardless of external circumstances, we arrived at the gym, in the weight room, prepared to work and to improve. This is the environment I have loved being a part of the past four years.
This 'show up and do work' mindset that I first learned in athletics has allowed me to tackle challenges and take on more responsibilities in the classroom at Pepperdine and beyond. In addition to athletics during my time at Pepperdine, I have pursued two degrees, a B.A. in biology and political science, been a mentor at sophomore dorm and conducted original research in my area of interest, plant physiology and conversation. This year, I have been finishing my degrees, working as the student coordinator at Pepperdine's Center for Sustainability and Governmental Regulatory Affairs, and serving as president of the Green Team on campus.
The ability to manage stress and self, and other skills as these, will continue to serve me after Pepperdine. I am incredibly thankful that Pepperdine Athletics fosters the development of the entire person. I know the college experience I have had,along with the opportunities that I have been presented, are unique to Pepperdine.
As I look ahead to my final match at Firestone Field house, I am grateful that I am playing my last game of collegiate volleyball with and surrounded by people who truly care about me. I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from family, friends, coworkers, professors, current and former employers, athletics staff, classmates, coaches and teammates. This is ultimately what I will remember from my athletic experience, the fellowship that being a part of the Waves family has provided.
