McLean native Gianna Di-Reumante has been recognized as one of six student-athletes for her achievements both on the court and in the classroom, earning NEWMAC Academic All-Conference honors following the 2026 season at Emerson College.

Maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA while competing at the varsity level, Di-Reumante was not surprised to receive the academic honor. 

"I'm kind of used to transferring and getting back into things because at my previous schools, I've always done well in my academics, even when I have other things going on or being in a new environment where I do pretty well at adapting," she said. "I was definitely excited to get the recognition."

Di-Reumante transferred smoothly from St. John's University, bypassing common difficulties, including lost course credits, academic readjustment, and social isolation.

To navigate her intense schedule, Di-Reumante relies on a digital calendar. Without it, the student-athlete admits she would be "all over the place."

Di-Reumante's weekly routine revolves around evening tennis practices, supplemented by morning or early afternoon sessions twice a week.

"The times we have practice in the evening, I usually have my classes in the morning or afternoon," she said. "Depending on what time my classes are, I'd usually go to the gym either by myself or with other teammates." 

When not in class or at practice, Di-Reumante focuses on the next day by studying and planning her schedule. To wrap up her week, she typically plays two games, which often require weekend travel.

Maintaining a consistent routine, she wakes up at the same time each morning. She also works at the university gym's front desk, using her breaks to plan the rest of her day.

Unfortunately, she had a rocky start to the season on the court in her first year as a junior at Emerson. The team finished (6-11) overall and (1-7) in NEWMAC play. 

Di-Reumante opened the season on a high note. Battling a knee injury, she swept her singles and doubles matches in her debut against the University of Maine Augusta.

"Our season was very up and down, but we did play with a lot of injuries [including her teammates]," she said. "I was out for a couple of months this spring semester, and I know coming into Emerson, I was still slightly injured." 

To manage the challenge, Di-Reumante taped her knee for support and pain relief, noting that she could still feel the effects of the injury.

"Specifically for that match, it was important because mentally I was a little more comfortable being on the team and court consistently," she said. "I definitely felt not relieved, but more relaxed in that match because I was able to play my game and do what I do out there." 

Di-Reumante secured the doubles win against Augusta alongside teammate Jayden Beverly. Having rarely played doubles before, the matchup gave her a true sense of the tennis team's chemistry.

On Emerson's Senior Day, Di-Reumante went undefeated, sweeping both her singles and doubles matches 6-0 alongside senior teammate Carlson Jones.

"That day was definitely fun, and since it was one of Jones' last matchups, we wanted to win it and come out on top," she said. "It's nice to end your senior year on a higher note, and I'm glad we were able to do that."

Di-Reumante stepped into a leadership role easily on Emerson's roster. Despite it being her first year with the Lions, she focused heavily on mentoring the team's underclassmen.

"I'm relying on the seniors and upperclassmen to help me with things I don't know about Emerson," she said. "On the other side, I'm also helping freshmen with general college questions they may have and things they may not be quite familiar with." 

She noted that being a transfer student-athlete put her in a unique position, especially after realizing her previous university wasn't the right fit. 

Upon arriving at Emerson, she immediately felt like a leader, even as she was still learning her way around the university.

"As the year went on and as I got closer with my teammates, it was really nice because I felt like in the second half of the season, I kind of solidified my position on the team as someone who they can rely on," she said. 

Her path hadn't always been easy; after graduating from McLean High School, she felt her high school years had blurred together due to COVID-19.

Di-Reumante took a gap year, which she credits with helping her grow both as an athlete and as a person.

"It changed my mentality a lot because of everything that was going on personally, because my friends were already in school pursuing what they wanted to pursue while I was at a halt for a little bit," she said. "I was a little disappointed, but I was thankful to be able to have had this time to myself." 

Entering her senior year next semester, Di-Reumante wants tennis to remain a part of her future, but her immediate focus is on maximizing her final collegiate season.