Margherita Giani ’25 started playing volleyball in remote northern Italy, but at age 14, she uprooted her life and moved two hours away for better playing opportunities.

“It was hard to even practice volleyball when I was young,” Giani said. “Where I grew up, even if I drove three hours, there was no volleyball club on a higher level. I moved to my grandparents’ house in Milan and that is where my volleyball career got better.”

The middle blocker continued to cycle through clubs and high schools each year, always striving to be better.

She became interested in collegiate volleyball in the United States when she learned she could pursue higher education without sacrificing her passion for volleyball.

“I love the sport and being able to study. That’s why a lot of Italians are starting to come to the U.S. because they have such a good organization between sports and academics,” she said.

After stops at Southern Illinois University, and most recently, the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley, Giani joined Pacific this fall as a graduate student in Pacific’s communication program.

Giani saw her passion for volleyball reflected in Pacific’s coaches and players, which stoked her desire for one final push for a championship.

“I want to compete with my team, be the best that we can be and win something. We want to win the conference. That is the goal and there is no other thing,” she said.

The Tigers finished fourth in the West Coast Conference last season, including an upset victory over 2023 conference champion Pepperdine at home, the lone conference loss for the Waves in 2023. Pacific earned its third consecutive berth to the National Invitational Volleyball Championship and finished 18-11.

“We have a chance to compete for a championship. We have a lot of veteran players and added some tools to make us even better,” head coach Greg Gibbons said. “We are extremely competitive in a very tough conference. We built a tough, nationally competitive schedule and I like our chances.”

Pacific volleyball kicks off its season on the road, traveling to Las Vegas for a three-day tournament Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Pacific debuts at home October 5 against Santa Clara. See the full volleyball schedule.