Dedicating The Season To Giovanna
When Greta Longagnani found out her grandmother Giovanna Mavilla was in the final stages of pancreatic cancer, she flew to Italy to be by her side.
“It was hard,” said Longagnani, who at the time was a softball player at Pensacola State College. “But family comes first and I’m thankful and happy I [got] to spend her last months with her.”
One year later, Longagnani is back on the softball field playing the game she loves, this time as part of the softball program at Miami Dade College. She is dedicating the season to the memory of her grandmother.
“She always believed in me,” Longagnani said.
The 5-foot-1 sophomore is having a superb year on the softball field for the Lady Sharks as a pitcher and 3rd baseman.
On the mound Longagnani is 1-3 with 17 strikeouts and a stellar 1.95 ERA. Offensively she has a .410 batting average with one homerun.
“She’s relentless and always comes in the clutch when we need a hit,” Lady Sharks outfielder, Samantha Arrastia, said about Longagnani.
Her production this year is not unexpected. During her freshman campaign at Pensacola State College, Longagnani was 7-1 in 13 appearances for the Lady Pirates, but despite her performance, the team finished a mediocre 25-24, winning only five of their last 15 games.
So when it came time to go back to school, Longagnani, 20, wanted to make a fresh start. A family friend, Salvatore Varriale, introduced her to Assistant Men’s Baseball Coach Jim Mansilla, who connected her with Lady Sharks Softball Coach Gina De Aguero.
“From the first time she stepped on the field, her demeanor has always been positive,” De Aguero said. “She’s a hard worker on the field and in the classroom.”
During her time at MDC Longagnani, who is studying physical therapy, has been lauded for her patience, passion for the game, and her ability to work well with teammates.
“I’ve enjoyed working with this group, and seeing each other grow on and off the field,” Longagnani said. “I want to do my job and help the team get into States.”
