Oregon outside hitter Alaina Bergsman mistakenly celebrates a point that was given to Cal because of a fault. Oregon lost all three sets to give Cal the match win at Matt Knight Arena Friday, Oct. 7. (Michael Ciaglo/Oregon Daily Emerald)
“A big year” is an understatement. During her senior year in 2012, Alaina Bergsma (now Alaina Gilbert) took the Oregon volleyball team to the NCAA Finals, earned the National Player of the Year award, was crowned Miss Oregon 2012, and graduated from the UO with a business degree. After graduation, she played seven years of overseas professional volleyball for various teams and Team USA, including time in Asia, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. Now, Alaina lives in Los Angeles and works as director of sales for Liquid I.V., a company whose non-GMO electrolyte drink mix helps athletes and individuals stay hydrated. With a level of confidence that is both impressive and inspiring, Alaina continues to succeed and be a role model for others looking to achieve what seems impossible – but never really is.