Martina Lolli '24 scores marketing job in New York

Sant’Agata Bolognese is a long way from Wichita, but it didn’t stop Martina Lolli from making the jump from Italy to the U.S. to pursue the dream of playing collegiate tennis.

Now, an exciting future lies ahead for the Newman graduate as she has recently accepted a job offer in Manhattan, New York.

She said, “I have achieved so much and I’m proud of how far I have come. I know that I am ready to take the next step.”

Lolli has been hired as a brand ambassador for the Italian company Urbani Truffles.

The role is tailored perfectly to Lolli — the job required someone who speaks fluently in Italian, English and Spanish, with expertise and experience in marketing and management.

Lolli will embark on her new adventure in June 2025.

Overcoming challenges

Spring 2021 was Lolli’s arrival at Newman University, however it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for the marketing and management double major athlete.

Lolli faced severe challenges. Originally set to take the MIAA by storm in fall 2020, a horrendous double knee tear of the meniscus and the ACL over the summer put a halt to her plans.

“That had a big impact on my life,” she said. “My life changed because I didn’t know what I was actually going through. When I got here, I was barely walking and I had to redshirt my freshman year.”

The strength Lolli displayed throughout her playing time at Newman University is a testament to her resilience and drive on and off the court.

“The injury made me grow so much. I was either going to quit or I was going to keep going,” Lolli said.

It was that strength that aided Lolli’s undefeated sophomore season. She won all six of her matches across singles and doubles. In her final season as a Jet, Lolli competed in a career high 25 matches, where she won eight doubles and seven singles matches, capping off her challenging but rewarding playing career at Newman University.

Now in the spring of 2025, Lolli has fulfilled the role of the graduate assistant for Residence Life while earning her master’s degree in data analytics.

Life off the court

During her time at Newman University, Lolli has become a familiar face around campus, always eager to be involved and on the lookout for new opportunities, which she has accepted with enthusiasm. She added, “There were so many great opportunities at Newman.”

Lolli has worked with the Dean of Students Andi Giesen, was a student life assistant, a director of activities and was even in charge of multicultural engagement. Her additional leadership roles include serving as the team captain of the women’s tennis team alongside her good friend Marie Brunet in spring 2024.

Lolli thanked Wendy Sahatjian, a previous professor of marketing at Newman University, saying, “She is a role model and an inspiration.” They remain in contact.

Lolli said she is grateful for having such a supportive, loving and caring family back in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

“I am the luckiest girl, my mum suffered so much because I am the only child, but they always supported me with my decision, trying to find the best city, the best college, the best job offers and they are very excited now as they are going to help me move in the summer.”