For most of Senior Gianna Santoro’s life, softball was her plan. From little league to high school, her time as a softball player shaped Gianna by teaching her lessons and giving her routine. As previously reported, Gianna secured a spot on the Albertus Magnus softball team as a junior. She originally planned to study sports management and pitch for the Albertus Magnus softball team, but she started to question if that was the right path.
Even though softball was the plan, she always thought of a life in the military . “I’ve always been interested in the army, well, any branch of the military to be honest,” she explained. Gianna knew that the debt that came with college may not have been worth it for her, because she wouldn’t have enjoyed her time. She wanted to be doing something hands-on, rather than sitting in a classroom. Gianna knew this was a hard choice to make because she would be giving up several years of her life to pursue an entirely different career. She said, “I did softball for 14 years of my life and then all of a sudden I’m hanging it up.” However, the army also affords her opportunities that made the decision a little bit easier. Gianna said, “But then I found out that in the army you can play softball, so I’m not fully giving up, I’m just not going to school for it. I honestly like that better because it’s not a pressured thing, it’s not as big of a commitment.”
Then she needed to decide what branch of the military to join. She said, “I was really into the Marines, but that’s hardcore. My mom was like ‘“Yeah, no, we’re not gonna do that,’” so I was like, “Okay, we’ll do the army.’” Any military branch is intense, but the army fights on land, while the marines more commonly fight on sea, and sometimes land too.
Once she decided to join the Army, Gianna has been through a long process to enlist. She’s currently working on improving her ASVAB score through a program called O9M training. By improving her scores, more job opportunities within the Army will open up, allowing her to reach her highest potential in the Army. “[The] ASVAB score is a test determining your knowledge. It’s basically 10 parts. Math, science, english, mechanics, [etc.]. You have to get a high enough score to pass, which is a 30, but if you get higher than that, your job options open up way more.”
Despite the hurdles, Gianna is ready for the challenge. She wants this experience to “rip her apart and build her up.” Gianna is ready to ship out June 24th, and while her family’s excited, they mixed emotions. Gianna’s mom, Shirley Hally said, “As a mom, you’re never truly ready for your child to leave home. It’s an incredibly emotional experience. But today, I am filled with pride as my daughter begins a new chapter in her life. I am deeply honored that she has chosen to serve her country. My heart is full, and my prayers go with her – may she stay safe and strong on this journey.”
Gianna has immense support behind her. From friends, to coaches, to family, the support keeps Gianna going. She said, “The support is there and I think that’s the biggest part.” Gianna’s sister, Olivia Santoro hopes that Gianna knows everyone is behind her for this next adventure. She shared, “Gianna is going to be amazing wherever she goes and every step she takes I hope she thinks of everyone back home and knows that we are unbelievably proud of everything she has accomplished and to know we are always with her wherever she goes! Good luck “G” you got this!! Love you to sisterhood and beyond.”
As she leaves the halls of EHHS, Gianna’s advice when making your own big decisions: “Go with your gut. Go with your heart. Whatever feels right to you is right to you. In the long run, if you don’t have the support, you have yourself.”
Congratulations to Gianna and everything she has accomplished! We know you’ll do amazing and make EHHS proud!