As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC, we are highlighting the triumphs of athletes with disabilities who continue to redefine excellence in sport. This week, we celebrate Gia Cruz.
A member of the U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball National Team since 2022, Gia has helped Team USA earn international podium finishes, including gold at the 2025 Dutch Tournament and the 2026 USAV Sitting Cup, along with bronze at the 2022 ParaVolley World Championships.
As the first and only Mexican American athlete on the U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball National Team, Gia proudly carries her family’s Tejano heritage with her as she competes on the international stage. She is also pursuing her master’s degree in counseling, with a goal of creating safe and inclusive spaces for the next generation.
Today, we celebrate an athlete chasing Paralympic gold while honoring where she comes from and inspiring others to do the same.
