Gina was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lourdes College with double Bachelor's Degrees in 2003. A former diehard skateboarder, a host of injuries pushed her to find a new passion that might be a little easier on old injuries. At the start of the 2008 race season, she was pushed to pick up a bike by stepson and then-NBL National #13, Elijah Gilbert (www.elijahgilbert.com). Little did she know that what started as a way to spend time with her 7 year old counterpart would turn into nothing short of an obsession.
In just 12 short weeks of racing, Gina learned the basics of BMX and helped start a women's cruiser class at her home track. During the 2008 season, she took 1st place at the Ohio State Qualifier at Lay Industrial BMX, 2nd place in the annual Who's Bad Challenge, and won the ladies' cruiser points championship for the year at her home track. At the end of the season, she was the top rider in her District for 2008 and earned the prestigious ABA #1 plate for her efforts.
Heading into 2009, Gina picked up several top-notch sponsors, including SE Bikes, Lipz Panelz, Spy Optic, ODI Grips, Six Feet Deep Clothing, Globe Shoes, Rockwell Time, and Christopher Bean. Despite breaking her wrist early in the season, Gina persevered, riding with an air cast for more than two months and finsihing the year as the NBL's National #2 rider.
While off the track, Gina's other interests include playing guitar and spending time with her family. She is a self-proclaimed fan of "coffee, baseball caps, and all things canine." You can drop her a line at www.myspace.com/authenticmav.