In Georgia Tech’s continuing coverage of Hispanic Heritage Month, we highlight Bianca Bertolino. Bertolino is a freshman outside hitter from San Guillermo-Santa Fe, Argentina. She comes to Atlanta to pursue her dream of playing volleyball at the highest levels. In Argentina, she played for the Argentinian National Team in the World Championships and won the Argentine Cup twice. On The Flats, she has been named ACC Freshman of the Week twice. She is third on the team in kills, digs, blocks and points.
What’s The Buzz: How has Georgia Tech honored your heritage?
Bianca Bertolino: My teammates are always trying to learn about my country and my language. There are a lot of professors and coaches who support me.
WTB: What is your favorite place in Argentina?
BB: My favorite place is my house. I live in a small town. It’s my house it’s my family.
WTB: How does being Argentinian shape who you are?
BB: It’s a part of always wanting to win and do my best in everything I try to do. If it’s with volleyball or the classroom I always want more and to do my best. Argentinians are very driven and selfless.
WTB: What is the best food someone can get in Argentina?
BB: There are three best foods someone can get in Argentina. The first is milanesa, the next is empanadas, and then there is asado.
WTB: The team is off to a quick start this season going 9-1. What do you think is the reason for this success?
BB: We train a lot and put in a lot of hard work. Everyone understands their role inside the court and the team. We are always pushing for the same goal. This is why we are where we are but we can get a lot better. This is only the beginning. We can do much more
WTB: You’ve received ACC Freshman of the Week twice so far this year. What do those awards mean to you?
BB: My individual awards are thanks to my team. This is a team sport and without my teammates I cannot have any of these awards. It is about team success. I want to win an ACC Championship.
WTB: Other than volleyball, what is your favorite sport?
BB: I like tennis and I like watch basketball. I watch the Argentian national team.
WTB: Who is your favorite athlete?
BB: Manu Ginobli. My dad is a really big fan of Manu Ginobli and we always watched his games. What he has done in his life is very inspirational.
WTB: What is the best advice you have ever received?
BB: Enjoy where you are right now. I really wanted to be at Georgia Tech and Atlanta so I have to make sure to enjoy where I am.
