Welcome to Meet the Captains, the Women's Volleyball Edition. Let's learn more about the 2026 senior: Bri Gautier.

Bri Gautier – Senior (Avondale, Pa.) 

Q: What is your major and why did you choose it? 
 A: I am currently a Pre-PT major. I chose this because I enjoy the hand on experiences that it offers, but also the person-to-person interactions that come with it. I love to build relationships and create bonds with people, so being able to have a job where I can do that while also being engaged with people's health just interests me a lot.  
 
Q: How long have you been playing your sport and what inspired you to start playing? 
A: I started playing volleyball in my junior year of high school. I had to play 2 sports in high school, due to our policies, so I picked it up because my sister played in high school. I honestly can thank her for teaching me how to get touches with a ball due to me being her built in front lawn pepper partner my whole life. I would say a little bit of the joy it brings, and my sister is what truly defines why I started playing. 
  
Q: What is your favorite memory from your sport at Neumann? 
A: My favorite memory with NUVB would be Knight's Invitational. It just brings so much joy to us as players but also our small community. It gives everyone an excuse to just support one another on and off the court. We also get to wear pretty ribbon in our hair and play with a purpose throughout that weekend. It is super nice feeling a sense of home with your sport and we have a big tailgate with our team and parents which keeps that trend going.  
  
Q: What does it mean to you to be selected as a captain and what are you most looking forward to in that role? 
A: I think it is a huge honor to be considered a "captain" of my team. I just feel blessed to be able to hold my team to the standards we set for each other during our season. Just being able to also be someone my team respects and can approach anything whether it is about our sport or if it is something off the court.  
  
Q: What is your dream job or career after graduating from Neumann? 
A: My dream job is to become a pediatric PT in a hospital so I can maybe one day work alongside my sister who is a RN.  
  
Q: What advice would you give to underclassmen student-athletes who are just beginning their collegiate careers? 
A: Take it all in, take advantage of academic resources that are offered, and go out on a limb sometimes, because when you blink it goes just like that. Do not fear getting out of your comfort zone sometimes, challenge yourself for the better, and take your major seriously because this isn't just about nothing, it's the path of your life being paved.