Spartans of UD - Christina Simonetti

Spartans of UD highlights what makes the University of Dubuque special - the people.

Christina Simonetti, of Chicago, Illinois, is a senior marketing major who is a forward for the women's basketball team at the University of Dubuque. She stepped into a big role for the Spartans in 2025-2026, leading the team in points per game (11.7), rebounds per game (9.6), and 14 total blocks. Christina has eight double-doubles this season and now has nine for her career. The senior has been an American Rivers Conference All-Academic honoree each season she has been eligible.

How did you get into basketball?

"I started playing basketball when I was 6, and I played in a variety of bitty ball leagues with my sister. I loved playing all sports, volleyball and basketball especially, and continued to play both competitively throughout my youth. Basketball helped me grow confidence and lasting friendships. I knew from a very young age that I loved to compete and it was never something I wanted to stop playing."

The women's and men's basketball teams will hold Brain Health Awareness games against Luther College on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Stoltz Sports Center. Why is it important to you to continue this tradition of spreading awareness of brain health in February? What do you hope those who attend the games will take away?

"Continuing the Brain Health Awareness tradition in February is extremely important to me, both as a player and as someone who has battled back and forth with mental health. I've seen firsthand how isolating and overwhelming it can feel when you're struggling with something invisible that others can't see. I've watched family members suffer in silence because they didn't have access to the resources and support systems that we're fortunate to have today. Their struggles remind me every day that awareness, acceptance, and open conversation can save lives.

"As athletes, we're often praised for our physical strength and resilience, but we don't talk enough about the mental and emotional strength required to compete, to balance academics and athletics, to handle pressure, and to navigate the challenges of young adulthood. I hope those who attend the game on Wednesday will take away that brain health is about nurturing a healthy mindset, recognizing when we or our teammates are struggling, and knowing that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness."

What are some of your favorite memories of your basketball career at UD so far?

"My favorite memory from my basketball career at UD will always be travelling to Costa Rica in 2023. Not only did we get to explore an entirely different country and culture, but we got to play against their local teams and went undefeated! Beating Loras at UD to secure our spot in the tournament in 2025 was also an unforgettable moment."

As a student-athlete, how do you balance athletics and academics?

"As a student-athlete, one thing that really helped my academics was creating a class schedule that fit my needs, thanks to the help of my caring advisors. I love my planner and calendar. I map out everything - practice times, games, travel days, exam dates, and major assignment deadlines. I love to color code things too so it's more fun for me than a mundane task. This helps me not to find surprises later in the week and know when I have available time for myself as well. I've also had to make peace with the fact that I can't attend every social event or take on every opportunity that comes my way. The sooner you realize this, the easier life and your commitments become. At this time in my life, basketball and academics are my primary commitments, and sometimes that means sacrificing other things. Also, never pass up a mental health break or screen break. Take good care of your eyes and mind! You're going to need them your whole life."

In your opinion, what makes the University of Dubuque unique?

"From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt a difference in the culture here - it's not just about getting a degree or playing a sport, it's about belonging to something bigger.

"The professors here are exceptional. They know students by name, they care about our individual goals, and they're willing to go the extra mile to help us succeed. I've had professors check in on me after a tough game, offer flexibility when I'm traveling for away competitions, and push me academically because they genuinely believe in my potential. They don't see me as just another student-athlete trying to get by; they see me as a whole person with dreams beyond basketball, and they invest in helping me achieve those dreams. That kind of support is invaluable.

"The student body is also genuine. There's diversity in backgrounds and experiences, but there's unity in our shared mission to grow, learn, and succeed together. It's the kind of place where you can walk across campus and run into friendly faces, people hold doors, say hello, and actually mean it.

"I am grateful for everyone at this University - whether it's my academic advisor helping me plan my course schedule around basketball, the athletic trainers and strength coaches who keep us healthy and performing at our best, or the counseling services that prioritize our mental health, there's always someone in your corner. I never feel like I'm navigating this journey alone. Everyone who works for UD is not just trying to get you through classes. They are helping you build a future. They're invested in where you're going, not just where you are right now.

"At the end of the day, the University of Dubuque is unique because it's a place where you're challenged to excel, supported when you struggle, and celebrated when you succeed. It's a community that invests in you, believes in you, and becomes part of your story long after you graduate. That's what makes UD special - and that's why I'm proud to be a Spartan."