DENVER – University of Denver volleyball coach Megan Pendergast has hired Gianna Bartalo to serve as an assistant coach, Pendergast announced on Thursday.

"We're stoked to bring Gianna Bartalo home," Pendergast said. "Her love for this program and deep understanding of what makes Denver special is rare, and something we're incredibly proud to have on staff. Gi went through a competitive interview process and earned this opportunity every step of the way. She'll lead the defensive side of the ball, where her volleyball IQ and firsthand knowledge of what it takes to win here will be immediately felt across our program."

Bartalo led Denver in digs starting libero in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and ranks eighth all time in Denver program history with 1,202 career digs. In her final season at Cal, Bartalo posted 468 digs, good for the eighth-highest in a single season and fourth-best in the ACC.

"Returning to the University of Denver as an assistant coach is incredibly meaningful to me," Bartalo said. "I've been watching Denver volleyball since I was 12 years old, and this program has shaped so much of who I am, both on and off the court. To be back at the University that has given me so much is an honor I don't take lightly. I am very grateful to Megan Pendergast for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to come back home."
 
 
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