Giana Denora has been playing soccer for a decade and half. Considering that she’s just begun her Grade 12 year at Dakota Collegiate in Winnipeg, that’s nearly 90% of her life.
“I just fell in love with it,” she says. “I tried basketball, volleyball and track, and I still love track, but soccer stuck with me.”
Denora’s passion for the sport, and her exceptional on-pitch ability, make her the perfect choice to claim the first Providence Pilots Student Athlete of the Month award for the new school year. The award is presented monthly to a high school student athlete who combines athletic and extracurricular excellence.
“I was in shock,” says Denora, recalling being informed that she’d won for September. “I had no idea!”
In addition to playing in a local women’s club team, Denora also represented Manitoba at a national tournament in Halifax during the summer. Despite having little time to get to know one another, she says the squad came together as a group, enjoyed being around each other, and was able to win two of four games.
“I think our team really bonded, and it was a great experience to be able to play against so many teams we’d never played against before,” she says.
The relational aspect of team sports is something Denora particularly appreciates.
“I like meeting new teammates and bonding with them. It helps me get through high school and this and that, but I just love getting to be around other people.”
If you or someone you know would like to follow in Denora’s footsteps, check out Providence University College’s athletics program and Pilots teams by visiting prov.ca/athletics
You can also nominate the next Providence University College High School Athlete of the Month by filling out this form.