Senior Spotlight Series - Gianna Kittle - Women's Track & Field
With the sudden end to the 2020 spring seasons due to the CoVID19 epidemic, the Emmanuel College Athletic Department wanted to take a moment to recognize members of the class of 2020 during the final semester of their senior season at Emmanuel College. The Senior Spotlight Series was a chance for our community as Saints to give each of these individuals the notoriety and recognition they all deserve while getting a little behind the scenes glimpse into their lives outside the uniform.
Senior Spotlight Series (SSS)
With the sudden end to the 2020 spring seasons due to the CoVID19 epidemic, the Emmanuel College Athletic Department wanted to take a moment to recognize members of the class of 2020 during the final semester of their senior season at Emmanuel College. The Senior Spotlight Series was a chance for our community as Saints to give each of these individuals the notoriety and recognition they all deserve while getting a little behind the scenes glimpse into their lives outside the uniform.
Participation in this series was optional and we're grateful to have heard from so many wonderful representatives from our senior class. While their careers at Emmanuel may be coming to a close, their lives as Saints are just beginning.
Let's meet today's featured student-athlete!
NAME: Gianna Kittle
HOMETOWN: Rocky Hill, Conn.
MAJOR: Sociology (Criminology)
SPORT: Women's Track & Field
SENIOR SUMMARY: Gianna was a four-year member of both the Women's Track & Field program, participating in both Indoor and Outdoor every season. One of the squads most consistent throwers, she competed in the shot put, discus, weight throw and hammer events throughout her career. Gianna was named the 2018 Most Improved Performer on the Indoor Track & Field squad and was a member of the 2019-20 GNAC Indoor Track & Field Championship team.
SSS Q&A
1) What was your favorite memory related to your track & field experience?
Definitely the last meet of the 2019-2020 indoor season, the GNAC Championship meet! The meet started off with the team presenting us seniors' gifts and of course I cried! The meet ended with us winning the GNAC Championship! At the time, I had no idea it would be my last ever meet. That meet was filled with so many mixed emotions and nerves, but we were all able to come together as a team for one last time to accomplish our common goal. It's my last memory of the team and I'm thankful that it's the best
2) Favorite pre-game playlist song?
Work Hard, Play Hard - Wiz Khalifa
3) Proudest athletic accomplishment/achievement at Emmanuel?
My proudest accomplishment has been winning GNACs with my team! There's no better feeling than all of the team effort paying off in the best way possible! Being a senior, I've seen the program change drastically over the past four years and to see how far we've come is inspiring and impressive! I was so proud of everyone that day and I still am.
4) What game/opponent did you always look forward to every season?
I always looked forward to our meets at Wesleyan. In high school, I spent a couple of seasons practicing at Wesleyan, so it always feels like I have a home-field advantage there! I also really liked the Connecticut College meet; my parents would always bring Krispy Kreme donuts to that meet for the throwers which was always a highlight in our day!
5) Other than your own sport/team, what was your favorite EC athletic program to support and why?
I don't have a favorite, I love supporting all of the other EC athletic programs! Whenever I have free time, I'm down to go support any of the teams because the atmosphere of support and comradery at EC athletic games is the best part of the experience!
6) One thing you'll miss the most about being on the track & field team at EC?
I'll miss my teammates the most. We've seen each other at our best and worst over the years and because of that, we have a bond like no other! We're a family and leaving family is never easy. However, I'll definitely be attending a couple of meets next year to cheer them on just like old times!
7) Tell us something most people probably don't know about you that relates to your sport.
Throwing can be exhausting! It's definitely a different type of exhaustion than what sprinters, jumpers, and distance runners feel but after a full throwing practice, I'm ready to curl up in the circle and take a nap.
8) Give one shout out/thank you to someone who impacted your EC Athletic experience.
Coach Potter! Coach has made so much positive progress with the track team since her arrival. She's been an amazing Coach, mentor, and friend and I already miss her! Also- one of my best friends and teammates, Amie Knowles! Her and I have been throwing together since freshman year, we've had countless laughs and made countless memories together over the years. She is one of many teammates that have made a long-lasting impact in my life!
9) What are your post-grad plans?
Hopefully, graduate school right here in the Boston area! My plans are completely solidified yet, but I'm excited to see what the future holds for me!
10) Give some advice or words of wisdom to future Saints.
Four years flies by so enjoy every moment as if it's the last! Laugh often, work hard, play harder, support each other, love each other, and most importantly- make sure you love what you do!
Thank you, Gianna, for your commiment and dedication to Emmanuel College Athletics and the Women's Track & Field program! Check back in every Tuesday and Thursday for more content from the Senior Spotlight Series!
#AlwaysaSAINT #goECSaints #ECSeniorSpotlightSeries
If you'd like to be featured in the Senior Spotlight Series, please email the Department's Director of Athletic Communications (Dan Campagna) at campagnad@emmanuel.edu