Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Tracy and Frank Guarascio
Siblings: Alicia, Anthony, and Angelina
Position or events: Shooting guard- Basketball Center Field- Softball
Social Media: X-@GuarascioGianna Instagram- @gianna.guarascio
Career Highlight: Game winning shot at Pulaski my sophomore year

At what age did you start playing your main sport?
I started basketball camps at four but started playing competitively at seven.

Who introduced you to the sport?
My whole family. I grew up watching my older siblings play basketball while my mom coached. Along with that my brother and sister both played baseball/softball which my dad coached. So I was surrounded by these sports since the day I was born.

Has this always been your favorite sport?
Yes, basketball has always been my favorite sport, I fell in love with it since I first watched it.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
Freshman year I was in more basic classes so not much study time had to go into it. Now I’m in more rigorous courses so I have to spend a lot more time studying so my schedule just gets more busier along with that more workouts are added than what I had freshman year so it’s a busier schedule.

What is your favorite part about your main sport?
My favorite part about basketball is all the different people you meet while playing. I met some of my closest friends while playing basketball.

What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
My love and passion has caused me to stick with it, I don’t know what I would do without playing.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, who?
I look up to Hailey Vanlith, she has always stayed positive on the court throughout her struggles and I love the way she plays.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/court?
I’d say my knowledge of the sport and IQ, I am smart when it comes to sports because I’ve watched so much of it.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
My favorite memory is definitely the softball trip to Florida every year, it gives us a great opportunity to bond with our team.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
It is awesome to look at my growth and see how much more confident I am now as a player. I was very timid when I started as a freshman and now I am not.

Do you have any pre-match rituals/routines/superstitions?
In our locker room we listen to music and dance to get the nerves out and I have to have some sort of braid in my hair.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?
The night before a game me and my mom stay late to get extra shots up so I feel more comfortable going into the game.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
I’d like to give a shout out to my coach Mark Kist who coached me throughout my whole youth career with my Mom and Richard James. Along with my two closest teammates Addy Phipps and Elly Kirst. I couldn’t have made it this far without them.

Any hobbies outside of sports?
Hanging out with friends
Favorite movie?
Twisters.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
My go to drink is a berry Propel.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
College is undecided right now, but somewhere for basketball. I will be majoring in nursing.