DeBuono, who has Italian roots, was born in Yonkers, New York and grew up in Bronxville, New York. 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.