Jackie DelliSanti ŮٱƵ20 started her academic career as an undecided major. ŮٱƵPace offered a wide variety of majors that could be possibilities for meŮٱƵsome that other schools do not have,ŮٱƵ she explained. It was only natural that she would gravitate toward the womenŮٱƵs basketball team, having played in high school.
When I came to campus, everyone was friendly and very welcoming. The coaches and other staff were very honest, [and] I felt that they truly had my best intentions at heart.
By then, DelliSanti already had a long history working with children through sports camps, which is how her plans for the future began to take shape. That and the fact that she knew she didnŮٱƵt want to be stuck behind a desk. ŮٱƵI wanted to be of use to people,ŮٱƵ she told us. ŮٱƵTeaching gives me the opportunity to do this.ŮٱƵ Ultimately, DelliSanti chose to major in teaching students with disabilities, a cause that has always been near and dear to her heart. ŮٱƵIn high school, I was part of the Special Olympics,ŮٱƵ she said. ŮٱƵIt is the best feeling to see someone you helped be so thankful and happy.ŮٱƵ
It shouldnŮٱƵt come as a surprise to anyone who knows DelliSanti that she ultimately chose to pursue a career in teaching, or that she will continue her education at Pace for a masterŮٱƵs in special education. Teaching requires equal parts discipline and patience, two attributes that are absolutely essential for any successful student-athlete. And DelliSanti has played not just basketball, but also soccer, lacrosse, and even volleyball! ŮٱƵI would not describe myself as someone who quits when things get tough. I like to rise to the challenge,ŮٱƵ she explained. ŮٱƵHaving a good game and being recognized for my hard work is something that drove me even further.ŮٱƵ
SheŮٱƵs been named ŮٱƵSetter of the WeekŮٱƵ by Pace Athletics numerous times, and she even caught the attention of the Patch local news station, which about her time at Pace and plans for the future. ŮٱƵTime really does fly,ŮٱƵ DelliSanti said, reflecting on her incredibly successful sports career with 1,298 points, 724 rebounds, and 248 assists in 111 games. She was named team MVP in her junior year, and as a senior, she was second in assists. And she had a lot of wisdom to share.
ŮٱƵGet involved and meet new people,ŮٱƵ DelliSanti advised the incoming first-year students in Fall 2020. ŮٱƵClubs, school events, and other activities [are] available on campus help you build a network that you will need when you will eventually graduate. Professors and other personnel can be good references when you need a job, too, so talk to them. They wonŮٱƵt bite!ŮٱƵ She added that rather than let intimidation overtake you, focus on your ambition and go for what you want. ŮٱƵCollege is what you make of it.ŮٱƵ
DelliSanti is still deciding whether to continue her stellar sports career and take up coaching one day, but really, itŮٱƵs clear that she will always take the court with her. She is passionate, motivated, and focused thanks to her immense athletic skill and the support she received from her friends and coaches. ŮٱƵBeing on a team is an experience I would not trade,ŮٱƵ she said. ŮٱƵThrough basketball, I made so many friends that I still have today.ŮٱƵ
WeŮٱƵre excited to see what the future holds for DelliSanti, and for all her fellow Pace graduates from the Class of 2020!
