Gigi Day ’22 is a four-year Senior and a co-captain of the Girls Varsity Soccer team. In the spring, Day also plays on the Girls Varsity Lacrosse team. Co-captain Ellie Traggio ’22 said, “Gigi is an outstanding player and person. She has this presence on the field that evokes excitement and joy to all watching, and her hard work pushes the team to be their best. Gigi is one of the sweetest people I know, but at the same time one of the funniest. She is an excellent leader, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play with her for four years.”

What is your favorite part about the team?

I know it’s a cliche answer but I would say the team culture because of how close we all are with each other. It feels like we’re a group of sisters and a real family. Keeping this team culture after coming back from COVID-19 was also a big thing we wanted to maintain.

Why do you love playing soccer?

I’ve been playing soccer since I was four or five years old so I can’t really imagine my life without it. I’ve also become close with a lot of people I didn’t expect to through soccer. Soccer has also really allowed me to travel a lot. My freshman year, the soccer team here went to Spain over the summer, and at home, I’ve been to Texas, Florida, and Arizona. Obviously, I love the sport itself, but the friends I’ve made and the places it has taken me is also why I love it.

What is a highlight from this past season?

The main highlight would be being back together as a team and making it to the playoffs, which was our main goal. We were definitely underdogs and did not expect to even make it that far, so once we made it it was a big deal for the team. This season, we also were able to tie against Miss Porter’s, and although it wasn’t a win, every year I’ve played Porter’s it has always been a really close game. This year we were able to tie 1-1 and scored with 40 seconds left in the game, so that was a big moment.

Who has inspired you the most while on the team and what have they done to impact you?

Sofia Weber ’20 has inspired me the most through her work ethic during the seasons we were able to play together. As a captain, I try to be like her and follow her discipline, while still making a name for myself. Seeing and following her in college has also been a great way to stay connected and I’ve also been able to play with her over the summer. Learning everything I can from Sofia has really helped me.

What advice would you give to a current or future Hotchkiss athlete?

Make sure you’re always having fun. There were certain times during the season where I got very stressed out, so make sure you’re always having fun when you’re playing, which is always pretty easy with the group of girls we’re able to put together on the team. Make sure that you’re doing it because you want to and not because you have to.