Tori Baggio - Women's Basketball

Tori Baggio is a captain for the 2012-13 Carnegie Mellon women's basketball team. Baggio is a senior and majoring in economics. She also is a member of the Carnegie Mellon women's track and field team.

I can say that since the day I first stepped foot on this campus I have been proud to be a part of this University and it’s athletics department. I remember the first day all of the basketball girls arrived and met each other. We connected instantly as we were all extremely excited about what Carnegie Mellon had to offer us.  Our parents smiled at each other knowing that their daughters had found a family that would help them navigate the inevitable ups and downs of college. Now every time I see a freshman class of basketball girls meet for the first time, I smile too, because I know those girls have four years of endless opportunities to push themselves both in the classroom and on the court.

While there has been a lot of fun and about 100 games, I have learned a lot of unexpected lessons. The beginning of spring semester is notoriously the most exciting and stressful time for my team as we travel across the country competing in UAA competition. From Atlanta to NYC, these away trips are both amazing bonding opportunities and scene to some of my most hilarious team memories. However, I also learned over these away trips that if I take my academics with as much intensity and pride as I do basketball that I could excel in both. I have been able to travel abroad to pursue research opportunities, create lasting relationships with my professors and advisors, and I am currently writing an honors thesis. Additionally, the lessons I have learned through basketball have allowed me to become both a team and campus leader.

During my time here at Carnegie Mellon I have been blessed to be a two-sport athlete. As a member of the women’s track and field team, I have learned that while each team is its own nuclear family we are all a part of a larger extended family, including alumni, who will always support each other. The inter-athlete support at Carnegie Mellon is frankly, just awesome. Just look at the men’s track and field and football teams filling the stands at the women’s soccer NCAA tournament games.

Lastly, as I walk away from the university this May after graduation I will gladly say, I am thankful to be a Tartan. Carnegie Mellon provides its athletes with an environment of excellence. From the weight room, to team trips, to competition, to the classroom, my experience as an athlete at Carnegie Mellon is one that I know I could have only received at an institution this great.