Oct. 26, 2009

BERKELEY - This weekend's games against Arizona (Friday, Oct. 30 at 2:30 p.m.) and Arizona State (Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m.) are the final home games of the 2009 regular season and the final home games for the squad's six seniors. This week, CalBears.com will be running a Q&A with each of the team's six seniors - goalkeeper Rosie Aguilera, defender Brianna Bak, forward Torrey Delaplane, forward Lisa Kevorkian, midfielder Katie Oakes and goalkeeper Gina Pellegrini. CalBears.com had a chance to discuss the seniors' years in Berkeley and what being a part of the Cal women's soccer program has meant to them, and today's participant is Gina Pellegrini.

Gina Pellegrini, who hails from Santa Rosa, Calif., is a senior goalkeeper majoring in mass communications. As of Oct. 26, she has a 5-6-0 record in goal, with 22 saves and a 1.46 goals-allowed percentage. Last year, Gina Pellegrini was the primary goalkeeper, playing in 17 games, starting 15 and notching four shutouts. Pellegrini, the 2008 Italian-American Amateur Athlete of the Year, is a two-time Pac-10 All-Academic honorable mention.

CalBears.com: What is your best Cal story or favorite Cal experience?
Gina Pellegrini: I think I would have to say our trip to Italy this past summer.

CalBears.com: What will you miss most about Cal?
GP: I will miss the team the most. They are all like family to me and I love them so much. It's going to be hard not seeing everyone every day. I'm really going to miss being with my senior class all the time - especially my roommate Brianna Bak!

CalBears.com: What are your career plans and what are you plans after graduation?
GP: After graduation I intend on pursuing a culinary career. If not that, then hopefully working for a food magazine. Being on Food Network would be a dream job.

CalBears.com: Has Cal lived up to or has it been different/better than the expectations you had of it as a freshman?
GP: Cal has been everything I could have ever wanted and more. I would not have changed a thing - everything happens for a reason, and I could not be happier that I came here. I have had an amazing four years, and I can't believe how fast it's flown by!

CalBears.com: What has been the most embarrassing thing in your years at Cal?
GP: I have far too many to share just one.

CalBears.com: What is your favorite place to eat or go in Berkeley?
GP: Intermezzo for breakfast burritos.

CalBears.com: What advice would you give to freshmen?
GP: Don't get caught up in any bull. College flies by! Enjoy every moment that you can because before you know it its going to be time to graduate!

CalBears.com: What made you choose Cal?
GP: Everything. I loved the team and the atmosphere. I felt that being here was being a part of something more than just a team. The coaching staff was awesome, and I loved the culture of Berkeley. There was so other place like Cal, and I knew immediately I wanted to be a part of it.

CalBears.com: Do you have a favorite, goal or play from your years at Cal?
GP: I had an assist in the second round of NCAAs my sophomore year (2007) against Stanford on a free kick from midfield that tied the game in the last two minutes.

CalBears.com: What are your other favorite Cal sports? Do you attend a lot of that sports' games?
GP:Men's basketball and women's lacrosse. I also like football games and go when I can.

To read all of the seniors Q&A as well as all past Q&A with the Golden Bears, click here.