As one of the five seniors on the women’s soccer team, Gia Cipollini is known by her teammates for her dedication and laughter.

According to senior teammate Meredith Parrilla, Cipollini is the funniest of the bunch.

“Gia always has the most laughs,” Parrilla, who roomed with Cipollini in Avent Ferry Complex freshman year, said. “She makes every story a little funnier.”

On the soccer field, Cipollini was originally recruited to play outside midfield during her freshman season. However, as she grew as a player, she progressed down the field and moved to outside back, taking on more of a defensive role.

“I’ve really been pushed back in the defensive line,” Cipollini said. “But I think I have really found my spot as a defender — I like that the best.”

Parrilla, who plays center midfield, said she feels safe having Cipollini covering her back.

“When Gia steps out on the field she will claw, scratch, bite — do whatever it takes – to get that ball,” Parrialla said. “It’s really good to know that she’s behind me and that if I make a mistake, she’s going to be there to make up for it.”

Cipollini has always played a central role on the team. During her freshman season she started in seven games, scored one game-winning goal and played significant minutes.

“Yet, sophomore year is really where my role on the team picked up. I started and played every game from then on,” Cipollini said. “I have really grown as a person and especially as a soccer player.”

In her junior and senior years, Cipollini has become a key member of the team, tallying goals and assists as well as keeping up the team spirit through tougher times, according to Parrilla.

“As a person, she’s just goofy,” Parrilla said. “It really helps especially when were down. Like this week, we just found out that even if everything goes our way we won’t make it to the ACC [tournament] and she’s out there working her hardest and has a smile on her face.” 

Cipollini’s attitude is something that coach Steve Springthorpe said he has noticed and admired during his short tenure working with her.   

“I’ve only known her for the pass nine months, but when I met with her she had a true desire for this team to improve and you could see that,” Springthorpe said. “She’s a very vocal player — speaks her mind. She’s a fantastic soccer player and I’m happy I got a chance to know her and coach her.”

As highly as Springthorpe speaks about Cipollini, she has credited him with her biggest growth and improvements throughout her career with the Wolfpack.

“[Springthorpe] has really taught me a lot,” Cipollini said. “I have learned the most this year with him.”

As Cipollini’s senior soccer season is quickly coming to an end, she said it’s a bittersweet time.

“I’m just going to miss the relationships I’ve made with these girls,” Cipollini said. “My best memories have been with my five seniors, growing up in Avent Ferry together. We have one week left together and it’s sad.”

The future for Cipollini is still up in the air. A sports management major, she said she plans to continue in the sports world, though soccer may not be in the cards. 

“Soccer has been my life so I’m going to have to pick up a new hobby,” Cipollini said. “Hopefully I will find something that sparks my interest since I don’t see myself playing soccer anymore.”