Anna Maggiolo
ARKANSAS CITY — Growing up in Padova, Italy, Anna Maggiolo found success as a student-athlete. However, she wondered what life was like in America. The sophomore business administration major has continued her success as a student-athlete at Cowley College in Arkansas City and was recently named the school’s October Student of the Month.
Maggiolo is the daughter of Catia Trolese. She has two sisters, Sofia 18, and Elena 12, and a brother, Alberto 17. Maggiolo said she could have stayed in Italy and attended college, but she wanted to experience life in America.
“I wanted something more and was fortunate to have the ability to come to America and play volleyball,” Maggiolo said.
During her first year at the school, she helped the Cowley College volleyball team to a 40-7 record, a District N Championship, a KJCCC conference runner-up finish, and a fifth place finish in the NJCAA national tournament.
Maggiolo finished her freshman season with 326 kills, 90 blocks, 85 digs, and 71 service aces. For her efforts, she was named a Jayhawk East All-Conference Honorable Mention selection. She also received a Cowley Volleyball Academic Excellence Award.
Lady Tiger head coach Steven Gream has enjoyed the opportunity to work with Maggiolo.
“Anna is a kind, dedicated, hard-working individual, who shows great maturity, kindness, compassion, and more,” Gream said. “Being from Italy, Anna has learned a new culture, acclimated to American education, kept a high GPA, and played for a nationally-ranked volleyball team at a high level, while earning the respect of the community, Cowley, and her teammates.”
This season, she has amassed 122 kills, 78 digs, 44 blocks, and 36 aces. She serves as the volleyball team captain and was voted by her teammates as the Most Valuable Teammate.
“Cowley has been a great experience,” Maggiolo said. “The girls on the volleyball team are a great group to be around. They are not only my teammates, but also my friends.”
Along with playing for the No. 5-ranked Cowley College volleyball team, Maggiolo is also a resident assistant, a student ambassador, member of the International Club, and serves in the work-study program.
She is a member of the President’s Honor Roll and has a 3.71 grade point average at Cowley.
“Being a student-athlete is not easy, especially during the volleyball season,” Maggiolo said. “I dedicate a lot of time to the sport, so time management is key for me.”
Away from Cowley, she volunteers at her church and has done other volunteer work in the community.
After Cowley, she plans to pursue a degree in business administration.
“I am looking for a strong volleyball and academic program,” Maggiolo said.