CHICAGO, Ill. – All-Region setter Christina Gatta has signed a professional volleyball contract with the Aris Thessaloniki Women's Volleyball Club, showcasing her setting abilities out in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Gatta was a two-time CCIW Setter of the Year (2022, 2023) and three-time All-CCIW selection in her time with North Park. Gatta established new single-season records for North Park last season with 1,085 assists and 80 aces. She's the program's all-time leader in career assists (3,749) and aces (287). She had 30-or-more assists in 24 matches last season, including a pair of matches with 50+.
"I am so incredibly proud and overcome with emotion for Christina," said head coach Michael Sopocy. "Congratulations to the Gatta Family: Lori, Nick, and Maria - the past 7 years have been some of the most memorable times in my coaching career and right when I thought Christina's story was done, it continues at the professional level. This will only help encourage future student-athletes knowing that the pro ranks can be reached through Division III Volleyball. We all look forward to seeing what you can accomplish overseas and we're curious to see if they can pass the famous 'Gatta Jump Serve' at the professional level! North Park Volleyball is forever changed thanks to you and your teams' contributions, and I will always be grateful for the work and support you have put towards our program. NPUVB 4 LYFE!"
Gatta led the CCIW with 310 assists while averaging 9.39 per set and was also far-and-ahead the aces leader with 26 (0.79 per set). She is North Park's all-time leader in aces (284) and assists (970) and she tied a single-match career high with 10 aces against Carroll. Gatta's 54 assists against Augustana on Oct. 20 also represented a new career high.
"I am honored for this opportunity to continue my volleyball career in Thessaloniki, Greece to represent both North Park and the USA," said Gatta. "I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates, and coaches that have supported me in my journey. I want to specifically thank my coach, Mike Sopocy. He has developed me into the player I am today and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to be coached by him. I am extremely excited to see where this next adventure leads!"
That adventure starts May 1 when Gatta joins Coach Akis Chatziantoniou's squad, ready to compete within the Hellenic Volleyball Federation.
