Tickets to the 2025 PLU Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet

TACOMA, Wash. — GoLutes.com is highlighting the six individuals from the 2025 Pacific Lutheran University Athletics Hall of Fame Class that will be inducted on April 12 as part of the 34th induction class. Today's installment features volleyball's Gina DiMaggio who was one of the program's best setters.
 
For the Tumwater High School graduate, it was the personal connection to Head Coach Kevin Aoki that swayed her to stay close to home and attend PLU. 
 
"PLU was close to home and offered me a generous academic scholarship. However, the tipping point for me was Coach Kevin Aoki. Kevin was incredibly welcoming and genuinely excited about my potential on the team. He made me feel special, and that support continued throughout my entire career. Playing for Kevin and Tim Templin was the best decision I could have made, and their guidance played a crucial role in my development as an athlete. I'm grateful that these two men nourished a love for the sport that I will carry with me always."
 
DiMaggio hit the ground running at PLU, etching her name in the record books as a freshman. That season saw the Lutes win the Northwest Conference title and advance to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. DiMaggio's play on the court was a big reason for that success with the first-year shattering the school record for assists per set (11.56). DiMaggio wrapped up her first season as a Lute by earning Second Team All-Northwest Conference, First Team AVCA All-West Region, West Region Freshman of the Year, and Honorable Mention AVCA All-American honors. 
 
Her sophomore campaign saw another winning season for the Lutes, finishing the year as a Second Team All-NWC honoree and winning the program's Most Inspirational Award.
 
DiMaggio and the Lutes were back on top of the NWC her junior campaign, riding a 13-match win streak to the conference title and a berth to the NCAA Tournament. DiMaggio finished the season by securing First Team All-NWC, First Team AVCA All-West Region, and Honorable Mention AVCA All-American accolades. 
 
DiMaggio saved her best for last, helping the Lutes repeat as NWC Champions, posting a perfect 16-0 record in league play for the first time in program history. PLU won 19 consecutive matches en route to the title, ranking as high as 13th in the national polls. DiMaggio broke her own single season record for assists per game and ranked 19th nationally in that stat category. The senior closed the year by earning First Team All-NWC, First Team AVCA All-West Region, and was a Second Team AVCA All-American. 
 
Over her four seasons as a Lute, DiMaggio was a four-time All-Conference selection, a three-time All-Region selection, and a three-time All-American. DiMaggio's 4,099 assists ranks second most in program history while her 108 service aces ranks 10th all-time in program history. Her efforts helped the Lutes win 74 matches over the four years, including three conference titles and made three NCAA Tournament appearances. DiMaggio's tenure saw the Lutes compile a 56-8 record in NWC play and win 32 of the 36 matches played inside Olson Gymnasium. 
 
And while DiMaggio has an extensive resume from her exploits on the court, it's the connections with her teammates that count the most. 
 
"I'm most proud of the relationships I formed and the love I shared throughout my journey. Ultimately, I don't remember awards, records, or number of wins. What truly matters is how I made others feel on and off the court. Being voted for the Most Inspirational Award by my team was incredibly meaningful to me. My teammate's validation of our connection was the best recognition I could receive. It felt like all the high fives, chins ups, and attaways, were communicated ultimately with love, and my team was saying, 'we love you too G.'"
 
Two of those connections have extended far beyond the four years at PLU. 
 
"Stacie Gordon and Megan Kosel were the most impactful relationships I formed during my college career, and our bond has continued well beyond those years. Megan was my only teammate who played alongside me for all four years. We shared a unique connection as the team's workhorses. She tirelessly covered the back row, while I ran the plays. She was my rock—she was the foundation of our defense and offense and she was always there to deliver."
 
It's been years since DiMaggio last played a match for the Lutes but her legacy continues on with the team still doing the pre-match ritual she started as a player. 
 
"At the alumni match, coach organized the team to line up and honor me by singing the Lion King melody—a tradition that has continued since my graduation. It was a heartfelt tribute to a cherished memory of mine, where I would try to energize the team on game days. This gesture truly touched me and reminded me of the lasting impact of our shared experiences."
 
DiMaggio graduated with a degree in nursing in 2008 and spent six years as a nurse. Now working as a professional artist, DiMaggio creates original artwork primarily using acrylic and oil. She continues to play competitive beach volleyball, has been a singer in multiple bands, and has two children— Davey and Mac.