“Coming from Bourne volleyball helped,” Ruggeri said. “Collegiate volleyball is more competitive and a lot more work, but that’s how it is at Bourne. Bourne volleyball has always been one of the more competitive programs. We have always been held to high standards. That gave me a good background for playing in college.”

“It’s huge to have freshman recruits come in from strong programs,” MMA head volleyball coach Melanie Appleman said. “It definitely adds to our level of play on the court. I think Tina has stepped up big for us. She has never played the libero position, but knowing her background and the strong program at Bourne, I knew she’d be capable and confident having had that experience. She is doing well for us, and I’m excited to have her here.”

The transition from high school to collegiate level athletics is a big step, but Ruggeri, a volleyball veteran, is taking it in stride, including moving to a new position.

“The level of play is very different,” she said. “There are definitely more skilled players at the college level. I’m playing a new position, so I have to figure everything out. I’ve never played libero before. The transition is tough; there is a lot of pressure. That has been the hardest part for me.”

Playing volleyball at the college level can be time-consuming and, added to a full class schedule and the academy regimental lifestyle, the commitment and hard work can be daunting. However, for Ruggeri, growing up around academy athletics and having family nearby have made a big difference.

“I grew up coming to Mass Maritime football games to watch my grandfather,” she said, “and also to watch my godfather, Sarkis Nahigian, who played baseball here. I remember being so young at those first football games, being on the sidelines, running around and playing with the equipment. My mom, Colleen, works here; she is the secretary/assistant to the vice president, Mr. (Paul) O’Keefe. She was Admiral (Fran) McDonald’s secretary before that. My aunt Karen Nahigian also works here and my cousin Jack Koss is a freshman here, too.”

Having attended high school on one side of the Bourne Bridge, it wasn’t a big jump when she chose Mass Maritime on the other side of the Cape Cod Canal.

“Mass Maritime was not my first choice because of how close I live,” she said. “I live just down the street. But, I was always here, and coming here was always on my mind. When Sarkis was here, he always talked about it and that was a big influence. In high school I sometimes had trouble focusing on academics, so attending a regimental school forced me to focus. School is good. As of right now I’m planning to major in marine transportation.”

When considering college, whether she realized it or not, Mass Maritime was in her blood. Today Ruggeri admits that she bleeds Buccaneer blue.

“Being a part of Mass Maritime is definitely different from what I knew before,” she said. “You have to be a part of the regiment and live it every single day to know it. It’s a big transition. I’m getting the hang of it. I am definitely happy with my decision to come to Mass Maritime Academy.”

Sunday, October 16, Ruggeri will stand with other members of the freshman class who have met all criteria of the first six weeks at the academy when Massachusetts Maritime holds its official cadet recognition ceremony.