Katie Di Gregorio

• Kind
• Determined
• Caring
• Intelligent
• Tenacious

On and off the volleyball court, I am always trying my best to be the best teammate I can be by supporting, encouraging, and uplifting my teammates. I push my teammates and myself to work our hardest and push our limits. When it is game time, I am fired up and determined to succeed, and this positive attitude helps myself and teammates play our best. As the loudest player on the court, I am always communicating with my teammates on and off the court, and doing my part in helping my team succeed in achieving our goals.

An unforgettable athletic highlight that I earned with my indoor team was when we won a D1T1 bronze medal at the 15U Canadian Indoor National Championships in 2022. This was such an honour to have finished off the season on the podium with my best friends, but I also felt unsatisfied because I know that we have even more potential. Another unforgettable moment I had was winning bronze in D1T1 15U 2022 Canadian Beach National Championships with my partner Amelie. Having all of my hard work pay off on the podium truly is an amazing feeling, but I’m hungry to do even better.

My interests outside of sports mostly lie in academics, as I love math and science. I pursue this love for math and science as the Co-Leader of Malvern Medicine, my schools medical club, as well as by studying for upcoming international math contests and by tutoring math and science through my school. I also love hanging out with my friends and family because we are always there for each other and always have a good laugh. Additionally, I love reading, journaling and volunteering at a local food bank.

My biggest role models are my mom and dad because they have taught me how to be caring, kind, and everything that makes me who I am. I look up to them in every way and I love them so much. My other role models are Melissa Humana-Peredes; a Canadian beach volleyball world champion, as well as Kat Georgiadis; a Team Canada libero. Both of these amazing people have inspired me to pursue my dreams of making it to the next level.

Being involved in other sports and extracurriculars has made me a well-rounded student-athlete and person. Participating in school clubs, such as Engineering Club, co-leading Malvern Medicine, and being Secretary on Student Council is giving me an opportunity to learn and be a leader. Volunteering weekly at my local Food Bank, Grace Pascoe Care Centre, is also really important to me because helping those in need is such an amazing way to make a difference in peoples’ lives. Additionally, tutoring Grade 9 Math and Science is important to me because it is a great way for me to share my knowledge with students looking for help.

An academic highlight of mine was receiving the Grade 9 Highest Average Award, as well as the Grade 9 Science, Geography and Exploring Technologies Award. It was a great feeling to be awarded for all of my hard work, but my academic journey is just beginning and I’m going to continue to push myself to my limits.

The programs that I would like to attend in school are Health Science or Engineering. Although I can see myself having an amazing career in both fields, I am still deciding which path is best for me.

I envision my school life in University to involve learning and giving my all in school. It also involves being on the varsity volleyball team, which includes morning weightlifting, evening practices and playing games at my highest level. I envision my teammates becoming some of my closest friends, and I will make time to call my family and friends from home. Although it seems challenging to balance academics and varsity volleyball, I know I can do hard things and in my eyes, it is worth it because I love playing volleyball.