University of Tennessee Athletics
Lasting Impact Leads to Annual Donation from LVFL
November 28, 2022 | General, Volleyball
During the fall, the Tennessee Student-Athlete Development Office along with a planning committee made up of women in Tennessee Athletics hosted the first-ever Lady Vol Leadership Summit. In a highly-attended event by all current female student-athletes, former Lady Volunteers, UT coaches and various alumni came together to discuss and share the value of what it means to represent women's athletics at the University of Tennessee.
The summit centered around uplifting women in sports, discussing the struggles that come with being a female student-athlete and the transition from being a student-athlete to entering the workforce. Discussing how to use their time at UT to prepare for life after sports, an emphasis was placed on Pat Summitt's 'Definite Dozen' principles, a code of 12 rules the legendary Tennessee basketball coach asked her players to live by.
Â
Among the LVFLs at the leadership summit was former volleyball player Giana Pellizzon. However, Pellizzon was in attendance as more than just a former player; she's now a graduate assistant with Student-Athlete Development at UT.
Â
"Seeing how much our athletic department really uplifts and promotes women's sports is inspiring," Pellizzon said. "You don't see that everywhere in the country. For us to have that Lady Vol logo, a brand that distinguishes us as women leaders and female student-athletes is very unique and special."
Â
After graduating in the spring of 2022, during her first year in the graduate position, Pellizzon helped with the planning and facilitation of the first edition of the Lady Vol Leadership Summit.
Â
After witnessing the event, she was so moved and compelled enough by the impact of the leadership summit that she decided to make an annual donation to the event so that it might continue on. It was a decision that was not made lightly and is one that she hopes will help leave a mark on future Lady Vols.
Â
"During my time here, I learned about the platform that I have as an athlete at UT and how to use that to promote positive change in the community." Pellizzon said. "There's a privilege and honor that comes with being a Lady Vol. The importance of giving back to those who helped me get to where I'm at today is one of the many reasons I wanted to give back to something that I am so passionate about and appreciative of. I hope to have a similar influence on current Lady Vols to help them realize their potential and how being able to call yourself a 'Lady Vol' holds a great amount of weight, even after you're an athlete. It's a recognizable brand across the country."
Â
Pellizzon played volleyball from 2018-21. She was four times named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and twice named to the SEC Community Service Team in her collegiate career (2020-21).
Â
In her junior year, Pellizzon was selected to the VOLeaders Academy–a year-long student-athlete leadership program. In the same year, she completed a micro internship with Tennessee Athletics' 151 Creative department.
Through Pellizzon's unique perspective of being both a student-athlete and then working in the athletic department, her experience has brought about introspection of the process. She hopes that others will see the benefits of this event, and that they too might donate and consider the next generation.
Â
The Definite Dozen are principles Pellizzon maintained that she will always carry on. They helped her realize the importance of building relationships that will last longer than sports and the value of loyalty and respect for others instilled in her during her time playing for Tennessee is something she hopes is passed down to present and future student-athletes.
Â
"It's important for these women to know how much they are capable of and know how special it is to be able to say that you are a Lady Vol," Pellizzon said. "It's a title that should bring confidence, and it implies esteem and rigor. I was taught what it means to be a Lady Vol, and I hope I can be that influence and help somebody else the way the program helped me. Tennessee gave so much to me, so I chose to donate. I'm very happy that I did."
The summit centered around uplifting women in sports, discussing the struggles that come with being a female student-athlete and the transition from being a student-athlete to entering the workforce. Discussing how to use their time at UT to prepare for life after sports, an emphasis was placed on Pat Summitt's 'Definite Dozen' principles, a code of 12 rules the legendary Tennessee basketball coach asked her players to live by.
Â
Among the LVFLs at the leadership summit was former volleyball player Giana Pellizzon. However, Pellizzon was in attendance as more than just a former player; she's now a graduate assistant with Student-Athlete Development at UT.
Â
"Seeing how much our athletic department really uplifts and promotes women's sports is inspiring," Pellizzon said. "You don't see that everywhere in the country. For us to have that Lady Vol logo, a brand that distinguishes us as women leaders and female student-athletes is very unique and special."
Â
After graduating in the spring of 2022, during her first year in the graduate position, Pellizzon helped with the planning and facilitation of the first edition of the Lady Vol Leadership Summit.
Â
After witnessing the event, she was so moved and compelled enough by the impact of the leadership summit that she decided to make an annual donation to the event so that it might continue on. It was a decision that was not made lightly and is one that she hopes will help leave a mark on future Lady Vols.
Â
"During my time here, I learned about the platform that I have as an athlete at UT and how to use that to promote positive change in the community." Pellizzon said. "There's a privilege and honor that comes with being a Lady Vol. The importance of giving back to those who helped me get to where I'm at today is one of the many reasons I wanted to give back to something that I am so passionate about and appreciative of. I hope to have a similar influence on current Lady Vols to help them realize their potential and how being able to call yourself a 'Lady Vol' holds a great amount of weight, even after you're an athlete. It's a recognizable brand across the country."
Â
Pellizzon played volleyball from 2018-21. She was four times named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and twice named to the SEC Community Service Team in her collegiate career (2020-21).
Â
In her junior year, Pellizzon was selected to the VOLeaders Academy–a year-long student-athlete leadership program. In the same year, she completed a micro internship with Tennessee Athletics' 151 Creative department.
Through Pellizzon's unique perspective of being both a student-athlete and then working in the athletic department, her experience has brought about introspection of the process. She hopes that others will see the benefits of this event, and that they too might donate and consider the next generation.
Â
The Definite Dozen are principles Pellizzon maintained that she will always carry on. They helped her realize the importance of building relationships that will last longer than sports and the value of loyalty and respect for others instilled in her during her time playing for Tennessee is something she hopes is passed down to present and future student-athletes.
Â
"It's important for these women to know how much they are capable of and know how special it is to be able to say that you are a Lady Vol," Pellizzon said. "It's a title that should bring confidence, and it implies esteem and rigor. I was taught what it means to be a Lady Vol, and I hope I can be that influence and help somebody else the way the program helped me. Tennessee gave so much to me, so I chose to donate. I'm very happy that I did."
The Mike Keith Show (Apr. 23, 2026)
Thursday, April 23
The Mike Keith Show (Apr. 16, 2026)
Thursday, April 16
The Mike Keith Show (Apr. 9, 2026)
Thursday, April 09
The Mike Keith Show (Apr. 2, 2026)
Thursday, April 02
