Gianna Certa: A Lesson in Perseverance

5/6/2026 7:00:00 PM

On the field, senior pitcher Gianna Certa (Third Lake, Ill.-Grayslake North) is a silent force. One of the most dominant in the circle in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin over her career on the Illinois Wesleyan University softball team, Certa has never lost a regular season conference game. She is as calm and collected as they come. Titan fans would never know that Certa wakes up every morning carrying something extra.

Certa was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes over 10 years ago in her early teenage years. As the autoimmune condition has no cure, Certa will have to manage the diagnosis for the rest of her life. While Certa's softball career at Illinois Wesleyan will not last forever, the lessons she has learned about managing the condition while competing at the highest level of Division III athletics will last a lifetime.

"Throughout my ten years of having diabetes, I have had to learn to manage multiple aspects of my health while competing at a high level," said Certa. "It has taught me mental toughness, resilience, and to never take for granted the opportunities I have been given."

The senior's parents have journeyed with her through it all, giving support, encouragement, and helping her manage the condition to the best of her ability.

"There are nights when her Dexcom alarms go off at 1 a.m. with her blood sugar in the 60s or even the 50s, and I'm texting or calling her to make sure she's up taking care of it," expressed her dad, Chris Certa. "That's the part most people never see — the constant, invisible work she has to do just to stay healthy enough to compete. She's carried that burden for four years without ever asking for attention or sympathy."

Certa has racked up as many regular season CCIW wins as the number she's worn on her jersey throughout her career: 23. Paired with zero losses, Certa ran through the league undefeated in four seasons en route to two CCIW Pitcher of the Year awards. Throughout the wins and success she's had on the field, she has constantly put in extra work away from it that often goes unnoticed to ensure she is prepared to play.

"Since diabetes has affected my athletic career, any little thing can affect my blood sugar and my body," said Certa. "Having to constantly quietly fight these battles behind the scenes may go unnoticed, but it is truly a core part of who I have become and the accomplishments I have achieved."

Certa and Illinois Wesleyan softball have hosted every CCIW Tournament in her four years as a Titan. The Green and White look to win its third league championship on its home turf with a very special pitcher in the circle.

Print Friendly Version