Portal Spotlight: Gianna Russo

Gianna Russo wasted no time getting her first career hit in college, knocking a single in just the second at-bat of her career. Five days later, another single doubled her career total and also registered her first collegiate RBI.

During her rookie year at Abilene Christian in 2023, Russo played sparingly, appearing in thirteen games and registering twelve at-bats. An Illinois native and a former first-team all-state selection in high school, Russo entered the transfer portal earlier this summer.

Following her entrance into the portal, we caught up with Russo for a Portal Spotlight Q&A.

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On her proudest accomplishment on the field…

Gianna Russo: Out of all of the awards and career accomplishments that I have received, there are two that have very important meanings to me, and I am very proud and feel honored to have been selected for both of these accomplishments. The first one is earning Illinois All-State 1st Team Infielder. This is a very big deal as I came from a 3A high school and most of the other All-State players came from larger, more well-known 4A schools. I feel blessed and honored because the competition was fierce with many worthy opponents and I feel like God answered my prayers for help during all of the softball games in order to shine in front of others. Most notable, He blessed me with 9 Homeruns and 54 Rbis in 26 games my senior season. Honestly, although God blessed me with the highest award in our state for softball, the best reward is knowing that I would not be where I am today as an athlete or a person if I didn’t trust God in everything.

The second award that has a great amount of significance to me is earning the Chicago Catholic Player of the Year (GCAC). This is important to me because the Chicago Catholic Conference is extremely competitive full of many talented players and ALL of their coaches unanimously voted for me to receive this cherished award.

On her main priorities in a new home…

Gianna Russo: Growing up with two older brothers going through the college selection process, I got the opportunity to observe and learn how they chose their selected schools. Going through this process, my family and I learned about the “fits.” The “fits” are the boxes that we search for and check off within each university. The “fits” that my family and I focus on are “feel fit,” “financial fit,” “academic fit,” “spiritual fit,” and the “athletic fit.” All these fits are important to me in a program as it helps me to grow as a person. I am looking for a school that can help me check off these boxes as I continue my last 3 years of eligibility.

On the ideal qualities in a new coach and program…

Gianna Russo: The qualities that I value the most in a program is a competitive family- like bond where we all work together and get better together. I also value competing at a high level and earning opportunities to win a position. For a coach, I value someone who is a positive influence, one that challenges my athletic ability, and one that can help my walk in my spiritual journey with God.

On where she wants to spend her final year…

Gianna Russo: Ideally, I am looking for a school where I can continue to compete at a Division I level. It is most important, however, that there is a family-like culture, and we can all play competitively together and for one another.

On navigating the portal…

Gianna Russo: The toughest part of navigating through the portal is being able to find the right fit quickly before the fall semester starts.

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