Porto, a 6-foot middle hitter from Tipp City, Ohio, recorded 195 kills, 54 blocks, 43 digs, and 52 aces as a senior at Tippecanoe High School. She was a two-time Central Buckeye Conference First Team, All-Area First Team, and All-District First Team selection. She also holds the school records for blocks in a season (71 in 2006) and blocks in a career (186). She helped Tippecanoe to a 69-10 record over the past three years with three conference titles, two sectional championships, and a regional title and a berth in the state Final Four with a 28-1 record as a senior.

“Gina is a great addition to the MVNU volleyball program,” said MVNU coach Paul Swanson, who is the NAIA’s all-time wins leader (849) and has a 834-287 record in 24 years with the Lady Cougars. “She comes from a very strong high school program as well as an outstanding club situation. Her volleyball experience and skill will make her competitive right away at the all-important middle hitter position.”

“Gina will also be a super teammate for the Lady Cougars,” Swanson added. “A strong Christian commitment, delightful personality, and an outstanding student makes her someone our team is really looking forward to having an MVNU uniform on.”

In addition to playing volleyball at Tippecanoe and on her club team, she was a member of National Honor Society and served as the treasurer.

“There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Porto of her college choice. “My faith is most important in my life, and MVNU offers me a chance to grow spiritually and academically at the same time. I also loved the small-school feel and location in regards to my hometown. The final reason was to continue my volleyball career there with Coach Swanson.”

MVNU posted a 39-5 overall record in 2007, won both the American Mideast Conference South Division and NAIA Region IX Tournament titles, and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in school history. The Lady Cougars have won 30 or more matches in 15 straight seasons.