WPIAL Alum Q&A – Natalie Cignetti

A: When I came into college as a freshman, it was obvious that aspects of my game needed to improve. College volleyball is a whole new ballgame, and I learned a lot this past year. I’m happy to finally be on the court and have the opportunity to contribute to my team’s success.

Q: What is your role on the team this season?

A: To be honest, no one has a set role that stays the same every game. Depending on who we are playing, our tactics are constantly changing. Sometimes we need our pin hitters to be our strongest offensive weapons; other times, we want our middles to run the show. It’s in my nature to want the ball as much as I can get it, but depending on the game plan, I’ll play whatever role is necessary to beat the opponent.

Q: What was your reaction to being named the conference women’s’ volleyball athlete of the week?

A: I was shocked! It’s such an incredible feeling to be recognized at that level so early on in my career. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates; they push me to be the best I can be.

Q: At what age did you begin playing volleyball, and did you play any other sports?

A: I began playing volleyball in 7th grade. I probably never would have played if it weren’t for my big sister—Carly, who tried out for the high school team her 9th grade year and immediately started on varsity! She told me how fun it was…so I figured I’d give it a shot! I also played tennis from 4th-9th grade, but unfortunately when I moved to Indiana, tennis season and volleyball season overlapped, so I had to quit.

Q: Are you still close with your former teammates and coaches from Indiana High School?

A: Yes, I still keep in touch with most of my former teammates and coaches from high school; we shared so many unforgettable memories together. I will always support those girls, and I know they will always do the same for me. Also, I wouldn’t be half the player I am if it weren’t for my high school coach, Coach Oesterling. I was so lucky to have her guidance!

Q: What was the best memory from your volleyball career in high school?

A: My best high school memory was definitely playoff season of senior year. We graduated some very talented players the preceding year, and many people didn’t think we could make it. But boy did we prove them wrong! We made it all the way to the WPIAL championship and the second round of states. It was such an exciting season for us.

Q: Did you always know that you wanted to attend IUP because of your family ties? And how often do you get asked about your last name?

A: Actually for a while, I refused to even consider IUP. I must have been going through that “I’m going as far away from home as possible” stage. But once I got a better feel for the campus (and of course the KCAC, the incredible complex we are so blessed to play in), I knew right away that this was the school for me. People ask about my name pretty often; we have a lot of family ties here in Indiana. It’s nice to have the opportunity to play in front of old friends and relatives!

Q: What’s been the most enjoyable aspect of attending IUP thus far?

A: Definitely the friendships I have made with my teammates, and the memories we have shared together. Spending 24 hours a day, 7 days a week together really makes it feel like we are a family! These are the types of friendships that will last a lifetime, and I’m so lucky to have met all of these incredible girls.

Q: Do you or your teammates have any specific or rehearsed celebrations after a point or big play?

A: Actually, we don’t have any rehearsed celebrations. Each celebration is complete genuine happiness. We get so hyped after every point … it really is a lot of fun out on the court with those girls.

Q: Theoretically, if you had no classwork or volleyball practice/games, what’s your ideal way to spend a weekend?

A: That’s easy! Sleeping, eating, and watching Netflix. Being a student athlete is WAY more exhausting than I thought it would be. From attending class, to working hard at practice, and then coming home to days worth of homework, I’m lucky to have an hour of free time at night. In fact … I may need to take a coffee break to get through the rest of these questions (and it’s only 7 p.m.).

Q: Do you or your team have any specific songs you listen to before a game or during warmups to get you ready?

A: Of course game time is a serious time, but pre-game team bonding is when we make most of our memories! We love to sing along to annoying songs in our locker room and just have a good time. It’s great that we can have such a fun, light-hearted environment before we have to get down to business. 

Q:  Do you use social media often, and if so, which do you prefer?

A: Yeah, I use social media pretty often. Now-a-days I usually use Twitter to follow the other sports teams here at IUP; we athletes consider ourselves to be a “family”, so we love to support one another.

Q: What is your major and what career do you hope for?

A: I am majoring in Natural Sciences — a pre-professional major that will allow me to pave my own academic pathway to prepare myself for a two-year Physician Assistant graduate program after college. I am also minoring in studio art.

Q: Who is your No. 1 inspiration, either in sports or just life in general?