Vivian Cavataio has made her presence known at Guilford—both on the volleyball court and across campus.

Originally from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, she was drawn to Guilford for its blend of athletics, academics and community—a combination she connected with right away.

“I definitely chose Guilford College because when I met the girls on the team and the coach, it was an instant click,” Cavataio said. “I loved the culture they built there, and it was something I wanted to be a part of.”

Having immersed herself in Guilford’s athletic community, Cavataio has earned recognition not only for her impressive statistics but also for her commitment to sportsmanship.

Cavataio has recorded more than 500 digs—defensive plays that prevent the opposing team from scoring—as a defensive specialist. But she is most proud of being one of six Guilford players named to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference’s Fall Sportsmanship Team.

“It meant a lot to be recognized for the way I carry myself on the court and cheer on other people and respect the people across the net,” Cavataio said.

As someone who embodies her team’s values, she places a high priority on culture and has worked to strengthen it in her role as team captain this year.

Cavataio said being team captain has been an exciting experience, and she has tried to model the leadership of previous team leaders, particularly in high-pressure moments on the court.

For her, these intense moments are opportunities to strengthen the team and make a lasting impact.

“When you’re in these moments, and there are people in the gym cheering you on, your teammates beside you, there’s nothing greater,” Cavataio said.

But she doesn’t play volleyball for recognition or adrenaline.

“I’ve always been a big team person,” she said. “I don’t want it to be about me. I want it to be for something bigger than myself.”

At Guilford, she has been able to be a part of something meaningful both on and off the court.

Cavataio has extended her leadership as editor-in-chief of The Guilfordian, where she has explored her passions for writing and journalism. As a double major in English and media studies and sports management, she has strengthened her communication skills through her leadership roles with The Guilfordian and the volleyball team.

She has also taken advantage of opportunities beyond Guilford to deepen these skills and explore her interests. Cavataio visited England and Scotland this year on Guilford’s International Sports Management study abroad trip, where she learned firsthand how sports facilities and operations function in Europe.

“Taking this trip and learning some of the ways that I can get into the business, even talking to the people running these teams—now I have some knowledge and connections,” Cavataio said in a recent article.

She has explored local opportunities as well, including an internship with the Greensboro Gargoyles, the city’s only hockey team—a connection she made through Guilford’s sports management department.

Between sports, classes, writing and interning, Cavataio has a full schedule—but she doesn’t complain.

“In terms of balance, I love staying busy,” she said. “I love the true balance I get and the way my coaches are respectful of the value I place on academics.”

Cavataio has used her time at Guilford to focus on what matters most to her, but she doesn’t let those passions consume her identity.

“Above all, I am a volleyball player at the end of the day,” she said. “But I like to say that does not define me.”

Staying centered in her faith—and being surrounded by a supportive community—remains at the heart of her Guilford experience.