Giuliana Gallo, senior co-captain and libero for the Westfield girls volleyball team, announced her commitment to Johnson and Wales University on Oct. 1 via Instagram.
Gallo is the third member of the current girls volleyball team to commit to play in college.
So far this season, Gallo has recorded 102 digs, 12 assists and 48 service points, which is among the top-five on the team. Gallo also plays for a club team, Sideout Sports.
On the court, she brings passionate energy, helping her teammates strive to become the best players they can be. This redeeming quality was a major factor in the Blue Devil’s 2022-23 State Championship win over Old Bridge.
“As a captain and a libero, she has made my first year on varsity so much better as she takes on a strong leadership role on and off the court,” explained junior outside hitter Libby Verga.
Gallo will join Johnson and Wales next fall, competing for their Division III volleyball team. Johnson and Wales is a part of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference and finished last season with a 20-12 record, making it to the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Johnson and Wales, a business school founded by Mary Wales and Gertrude Johnson in 1914, is located in Providence, Rhode Island. With an acceptance rate of 45 percent, it is seen as a selective institution.
“I loved the location of the school,” explained Gallo. “They also have a really good program for what I want to do which is fashion merchandising and I overall felt like it was a very good fit for me.”
Despite interest from Marist, Stevenson, Muhlenberg, and Penn State Harrisburg, Gallo ultimately decided on Johnson and Wales, as she “loved the volleyball program and the coach because they both provide so much support.”
Before she joins the Wildcats, Gallo will have one final season as a Blue Devil looking to lead her team to another state championship win.
