A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Plum’s Giuliana Ricciuti

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, February 17, 2025 | 8:43 AM

It’s a rare feat when a swimmer can post WPIAL qualifying times in every stroke.

Plum senior Giuliana Ricciuti just missed achieving that this season.

Out of the eight individual events for which a swimmer can qualify, Ricciuti qualified for seven.

She posted 25.91 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle, a 56.21 in the 100 free, 5:27.63 in the 500 free, 1:02.43 in the 100 butterfly and 2:18.08 in the 200 IM.

The only stroke she didn’t qualify in was the breaststroke.

“I wasn’t too disappointed in not getting that qualifying time because it’s always been a stroke I struggle with,” Ricciuti said. “It’s never come together for me.”

Ricciuti’s ability to hit the mark in nearly every swim afforded Plum coach Shane Ging flexibility in constructing a lineup that allowed the Mustangs the best chance to win any meet.

“If we know that we need a certain event done, she’s able to do it, even if she wants to work on something different that day,” Ging said. “She’s a team player and is willing to step up and do anything for the team.”

Ricciuti won’t be able to swim all those events in the WPIAL championships at the end of the month. Her focus will be on the 200 free and the 100 back. She posted qualifying times of 2:00.14 in the 200 free and a 1:00.63 in the back.

Last year at WPIALs, she placed sixth in the 200 free with a time of 1:55.88 and ninth in the 100 back (59.40).

“I don’t think last year could have gone any better,” she said. “My 200 free, every time I race it in big meets, it always surprises me. Getting my backstroke down to 59 seconds is always good for me, but I did wish I could have gone a little bit faster.”

Ricciuti, who is a captain this season, plays a more crucial role out of the water as well.

“My goal is to make sure everyone is putting in 110% because I know that everyone wants to get their best times,” Ricciuti said. “They need that extra motivator to tell them to keep going, to push through the pain because it’s worth it in the end.”

Her efforts in and out of the water have helped the Plum girls to an 11-0 overall record and a 6-0 mark in Section 3-3A.

She took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

How did you feel when you saw you qualified for WPIALs in nearly every stroke?

I set high goals for myself and make sure that I accomplish them each year. It lets me know that what I’m doing is right and that I keep pushing myself to be better.

What have you done in your training to develop that ability to swim everything so well?

Any opportunity for me to be in the pool, I’m there. I’m always asking my coaches what I need to do, what I need to watch in order to be better. It takes a lot of commitment and dedication while also being mentally tough.

What were you looking to improve on this season?

My 100 back at WPIALs. It’s a very mental swim for me. I’m hoping that since it’s one last go this year, I can go all out, leave everything in the pool and have a good swim.

What’s been the key to the team’s success?

Just everyone showing up and putting in the work. We’re all in it together, and we push each other to be better. We want to go back to WPIALs and do what we’ve done before in past seasons.

What lessons have you learned from playing sports?

Your mindset is everything. You can put in all the work you can, but if you’re not there mentally, it’s not going to come together.

Favorite high school memory so far?

All the car rides with the team up to PIAAs. It’s always fun when you can extend your season and go as far as you can. It was great to be up at Bucknell and experience all the talent.

Any hobbies?

I teach swim lessons to kids on my swim team. I’ve been doing that for a little over a year.

Post high school plans?

I will attend Penn State University Park in the fall. I am looking to get a degree in civil engineering.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

You are more than just an athlete, but if you want it, all you have to do is work for it.

Tags: Plum