Cathy DeBuono (born March 20, 1970) is an American actress and former athlete. As an athlete, she started a career as a successful volleyball player and received several awards and medals, such as two gold medals at the United States Olympic Festival in 1991 and 1992. Between 1988 and 1991 she attended the University of Kentucky on a full athletic scholarship for volleyball, played middle blocker and broke several records during her active playing days. She was forced to end her career as a volleyball player due to a knee injury. After this, DeBuono started her acting career, and she performed in a stage play directed by a former student, Ashley Judd. She studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and graduated in 1994. In 2003 she earned a master degree in clinical psychology.
