Our Alumni Spotlight series will be an ongoing feature, highlighting former student-athletes and catching up on where their journeys have taken them after graduation. Danielle Della Torre, former Georgia Women’s Swimming & Diving student-athlete, graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising.
Can you tell us about your current career and what you’re doing now?
I live in Charleston, SC where I am a medical sales representative for Paragon 28. My company specializes in orthopedic implants and solutions for foot and ankle surgery. I am responsible for selling the company’s products to healthcare professionals, particularly surgeons and hospitals. My role involves both sales and technical support, ensuring that surgeons understand how to use my products effectively.
How did your experience as a student-athlete prepare you for your professional career?
My athletic background has given me the discipline, resilience, and competitive drive needed for success in sales. Just like how I trained, adapted, and performed under pressure in swimming, I do the same in sales—adjusting strategies, handling setbacks, and pushing to exceed targets. The skills that made me an athlete now give me a competitive edge in sales.
What was the most important lesson you learned from balancing academics, athletics, and personal life during college?
The most important lesson from balancing academics, athletics, and personal life in college is time management and discipline. Juggling intense training, coursework, and social commitments teaches you how to prioritize tasks, stay organized, and remain focused under pressure. This balance helped me develop a strong work ethic, adaptability, and the ability to perform at a high level in any stressful environment.
What’s one thing you wish you had known about life after sports before you graduated?
One thing I wish I had known about life after sports before graduating is how much I’d miss the structure and workout routine of being an athlete. After graduating, I had to create that structure for myself. I didn’t realize how much I’d need to actively seek out new challenges and ways to stay motivated.
Looking back, what advice would you give to current student-athletes who are trying to navigate life after college and sport?
Build a strong network, be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to start at the bottom in a new field. Success comes from hard work, patience, and a willingness to learn. The key is to redefine your purpose and channel your competitive drive into something new.
When you think about your time as a Bulldog, what is one moment that stands out the most?
I was born and raised in Athens, so representing my hometown and the university I had always admired was a lifelong goal! Something even more meaningful was the impact it had on my sister who was inspired to follow the same path and swim for UGA as well. Sharing that bond with her and knowing I played a role in her journey made my experience as a Bulldog even more rewarding. Go Dawgs forever!!!
