Many students are either athletes or fans of the sports here at Cabrini College. Everyone goes to cheer on the athletes here who put their time and hard work on to the field, court or swimming pool. But who is the man behind the scenes that spends hours organizing all these beloved sports and games who everyone loves to come and watch?
Since 2008, Joe Giunta has been the man in charge of overseeing 16 varsity teams, club sports and recreational activities, and an active community health and fitness center at Cabrini College.
Giunta received his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Cabrini’s biggest rival, Neumann University, (at the time Neumann College) in hopes of going into sports broadcasting in either radio or television.
After graduating from Neumann in 1993, Giunta furthered his education at Ohio University, receiving a masters degree in 1997.
“After my first two jobs, I realized the communications field wasn’t for me and had the idea of getting a master’s degree in sports administration and facility management,” Giunta said.
Because he is an alumnus from Cabrini’s biggest rival school, people might wonder how Giunta feels whenever one of Cabrini’s teams plays Neumann in a sporting event.
“It’s my favorite game to win,” Giunta said. “As Cabrini’s director of athletics and recreation, it’s not all about winning, but it’s always nice to beat Neumann. I still have friends there so it’s always fun competition.”
Joe wasn’t always the man behind the scenes though. While studying at Neumann, Giunta was a two-sport athlete in both men’s basketball and tennis. Being a student-athlete later became an influence on him when taking the job of athletic director at Cabrini.
“I hold Division III student-athletes and the Division III experience very high,” Giunta said. “I met some great role models when I was a student-athlete [at Neumann] and I want to give back in the way I received. I think this school is the best fit for me. Cabrini actually is an extraordinary place.”
Cabrini certainly has proven to be extraordinary since his arrival in 2008, including his favorite memory since being a part of the Cabrini community.
“Other than getting married to my wife, winning the Fall Festival in 2009 at Immaculata University has been my favorite memory since starting here at Cabrini. Cabrini came away with four team championships that day,” Giunta said.
One including the first championship in women’s field hockey history against his alma mater.
Prior to his job at Cabrini, Giunta worked at Temple University for five years, seven years at Neumann University and three years at St. Edward High School in Cleveland, Ohio.
For now, his home remains at Cabrini College where you can spot him spending time with his co-workers or cheering on the side lines at all the sporting events.
“If I could give a piece of advice to the student-athletes here at Cabrini, I would tell them to be balanced. Take your academics seriously. Take your athletics seriously. Perform with the ut-most sportsmanship,” Giunta said. “Understand that winning is important, but it’s not everything. Try to get the most of everything and the most out of your four years spent here.”
