Taco Bell Student-Athlete Spotlight
9/30/2011 3:40:00 PM | Volleyball
Statesboro, Ga. - For junior outside hitter Moriah Bellissimo, growing up with three athletic brothers and a father who coached high school football, meant every day revolved around sports.
"Pretty much every memory I have growing up has some sporting event in it," said Bellissimo. "For us, everything was a competition. My father would even time us running around the house."
The lessons learned through participating in sports have helped Bellissimo not only as a Division I volleyball player, but also in life.
"In high school I played whatever sport was in season so I had to learn how to balance athletics with academics at an early age," said Bellissimo. "As a student-athlete at Georgia Southern, I think it's important to take pride not only in volleyball, but also in the work we do in the classroom."
Bellissimo has worked hard to maintain a 4.0 GPA while serving on the Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAC) and remaining active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
On the court, Bellissimo ranked fourth on the team in kills and digs last season, and was a key member of an Eagles squad that finished 14-2 in conference play before winning the Southern Conference Tournament Championship.
The Eagles will play this season with a target on their backs as they look to defend their title.
"We understand that we're not sneaking up on anyone this year," said Bellissimo. "We're going to get everyone's best shot so we have to be ready."
Major: Nutrition and Food Science with minor in Exercise Science
Interests: I love to cook and bake... participating in or watching any sporting event... reading different novels, especially Jane Austen and John Grisham... and I absolutely love going to coffee shops with friends.
Favorites:
Food: Chicken Marsala
Movies: The Sandlot
Type of Music, Band or Artist: Jimmy Needham
Athlete: Tim Tebow
Why did you choose to attend GSU? I really liked Coach Callihan's vision for the program and after praying about it I had a peace about this being the school God had chosen for me.
What do you appreciate most about your team? I appreciate how much fun our team can have together, but still come in ready to work hard and get better.
What is your favorite memory so far as an Eagle? Sweeping College of Charleston in the conference championship to win the Southern Conference title.
What are your goals for the upcoming season: To win the conference by going undefeated and to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
What are your plans after college? I would like to become certified as a Registered Dietitian and work with athletes and sports teams as a Sports Nutritionist.
