PAOLA EXPOSITO DIAZ-DELGADO
The following is a spotlight profile on Paola Exposito Diaz-Delgado, one of two VCU nominees for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year award. The Atlantic 10 institutions nominated a total of 14 outstanding student-athletes for the award (READ MORE). The A-10 will profile each of the institutional nominees.
PROFILE
A three-time Atlantic 10 Most Outstanding Performer honoree, Paola Exposito Diaz-Delgado reached the semifinals of the NCAA Individual Championship this year, the furthest an Atlantic 10 Women's Tennis Player has ever advanced. The VCU Team Captain earned All-America status in 2019 and 2022, is a four-time A-10 First Team All-Conference selection and was named the ITA Senior Player of the Year for 2021-22. She is an Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll selection and has made the VCU student-athlete honor roll as well. She worked as a Tennis Pro at the Shore and Country Club, and volunteered as a social worker at Richmond Residential Services and Sportable.
FEATURE STORY:
For VCU women's tennis standout Paola Exposito Diaz-Delgado, consistency has been key
Q&A WITH PAOLA
Q: What would you consider the top moment of your college career?
Reaching the semifinals at the NCAA Championship.
Q: What was the hardest obstacle you faced as a student-athlete?
I think that adjusting to the circumstances when COVID hit was the hardest obstacle I faced as a student-athlete. After being in college for almost three years, it was difficult to adjust to the new rules and procedures. I did not feel that the student's lifestyle was the same anymore. We were not able to socialize that much anymore, and as an international student, I did not have my family’s support in person.
Q: Who or What has been your biggest inspiration or motivation?
My parents.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Getting my degree in Social Work, and a masters program in Sport Leadership
Q: What are the top three things on your bucket list?
- Visit Italy.
- Go to Roland Garros.
- Visit the Niagara Falls
Q: What is something you learned about yourself during the unique COVID year?
I am a person who prefers to be around people rather than being alone.
Q: What do you think is the most important issue for student-athletes today?
Trying to perform well under pressure on the field/court and academically.