Jennifer Rizzo

Volleyball

Where Are They Now Wednesday - Jenn Rizzo

Our student-athletes are what make Georgia State so special. Our 'Where Are They Now Wednesday' segments feature former student-athletes from across all of our sports and not only look back on their accomplishments, but where they are now.

When it comes to living life full circle, former Georgia State volleyball standout Jenn Rizzo has arguably done it more than once. Growing up in California and playing against some of the best in the country, Rizzo got to return to the West Coast to play USC in GSU's lone NCAA Tournament appearance. And her career path to an athletic trainer started at Georgia State and included saving a life while on a road trip. And to go along with all of that, she still stands second in school history with 155 service aces, just one of the many places you can find her name in the GSU record books.

Talk a little bit about what you have been up to the last 20 years since finishing up at Georgia State (work, sports, family)
Wow, 20 years! I look back and can't believe what a cool life I have been blessed with after college.  After graduation I became the graduate assistant athletic trainer for Concordia University Irvine. Calvin Richard, our athletic trainer, was a huge inspiration to me and the reason I pursued athletic training. Athletic training has taken me all around the world and I can't imagine a better job for me.

After finishing my Master's in Business Administration, Concordia hired me as an assistant athletic trainer. I worked mostly with the volleyball, baseball, and women's basketball teams. I worked my way up the ranks at Concordia finishing my tenure as an associate professor teaching athletic training classes as well as being the athletic training program director.

During my time at Concordia University, I earned a Doctor of Education in sports management. As a lifelong learner I have also earned certifications as a concussion specialist, cupping therapy, and dry needling.  

In 2018, I left Concordia University Irvine and moved to Shanghai, China, where I am the athletic trainer and wellness coordinator for Concordia International School Shanghai. The athletic conference the school participates in travels all over Asia, and I have had the opportunity to travel to Korea, China, Vietnam, and Thailand for athletics tournaments. This international experience has provided the opportunity to work with athletic trainers all around the world. Athletic training is primarily an American profession. Being able to help athletes in Asia has inspired me to work closely with the National Athletic Trainers' Associations international committee. My goal is to be able to do what Calvin did for me and share the profession of athletic training with others, making international sports medicine available worldwide.

How did your experience at GSU help you get to where you are now?
When I think about my experience at GSU I really consider this the time I grew up the most. GSU taught me that I am mentally and physically stronger than I ever thought I could be. I became more adventurous and willing to be in the uncomfortable in order to have the experience of a lifetime.
 
GSU opened doors for my future by introducing me to athletic trainers that would influence my career path. I left GSU knowing what I wanted be when I grew up, with lifelong friends, a more adventurous spirit and the ability to persevere through life's hardships.

You were a part of the 2000 NCAA Tournament team that faced USC in the first round of the championship. Talk about what it meant to win a conference title and then face one of the best programs in the country in the postseason.
Playing against USC was a highlight of my career. I grew up playing club with and against most of the girls on the USC team. To go from playing club and high school volleyball in southern California to playing on the biggest stage of our career made my experience as an athlete go full circle. While I wish we could have beaten USC I was happy playing in the largest tournament of the year, in my home state, in front of my friends and family.
It is crazy to think that on the other side of the net, playing for USC, was April Ross the beach volleyball Olympic Gold Medalist. We played against the best athletes in the world. We also played against what would become one of my favorite coaches to ever work with, Paula Weishoff. The first time I met coach Weishoff as her athletic trainer at Concordia University, she said "I remember you, you were the right side from Georgia State. We watched a lot of film on you."
We battled all season and walked away as the conference champions. I remember being so emotional winning the conference championship. It was such as amazing feeling to see the success that came after a long season.

Georgia State volleyball was really at its best during your time at GSU. What made those teams so special?
All the people, big and small, that were a part of the program is what made us so great. There was an amazing group of girls with lots of talent and a whole lot of heart.  We bought into a system that was successful and had a common goal that we worked hard toward daily. We pushed each other to be better every day. This came with difficult moments and losses we wish we could take back. Together we accomplished our number one goal, win the conference title. Beyond the team we had a support staff that helped make us great: coaching staff, sports information director, athletic trainer, academic support, and so many more.

All these years after graduation, do you find yourself still competing on the court?
I continued to play volleyball in a co-ed league for many years after I graduated. Unfortunately, I was sidelined due to injuries that needed surgery. During my recovery, I picked up new hobbies and I have remained active.  I have participated in three 70.3 triathlons and multiple running races. College volleyball introduced me to heavy lifting, and I continue to enjoy lifting. My other favorite activity is hiking. I have had the opportunity to hike in many different countries including Iceland, China, and Africa.  

In your time at GSU you got to travel to some great places. Is there a trip that even to this day you still look back on fondly?
One of my favorite parts of athletics is the travel. Even as an athletic trainer I get so excited for the next adventure on the road. I loved visiting different campuses and playing in new gyms. We had some adventures on the road: eating at Cracker Barrel, saving lives, driving through crazy storms, almost hitting a deer and driving in circles because it really irritated Todd Degree are just some of the great times we had traveling.

The one trip that stands out most to me was playing USC. Playing in the NCAA Championship Tournament in front of my family and friends was a dream come true.

If there is one thing you could go back and tell the college version of yourself, what would it be?
Breathe, this is the best time of your life. Enjoy!

Four years happened quickly but GSU and Atlanta gave me some of my best memories that I continue to talk about 20 years later.
 
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