Gianna Betti, referred to as Gigi, is a young Italian American soccer player who is making a name for herself in the competitive world of Italian soccer. Gigi was born and raised right outside of San Francisco, California, to an Italian American father and an American mother. Gigi's passion for soccer has been a constant throughout her life, and the combination of her love for the sport and her family’s connection to Italy has led her to her current role as a Student-Athlete here at Rome City Institute. 

The Betti’s originated from Bagni di Lucca, Italy, where some of Gigi’s older cousins still remain today. Gigi’s nonna was the first of the family to make the move to America, as she traveled directly to San Francisco on a boat in the early 1960’s. One year later, Gigi’s nonno made the journey himself, and the Betti’s have remained in California ever since.

About her Italian origins, Gigi says that her whole life she has grown up super close to her nonno and nonna and felt very connected to her Italian heritage. They moved to the United States in the 60s and taught her dad Italian as he grew up. They grew up with a heavy influence of Italian culture and always ate homemade Italian food from her nonna, and made sure to spend time together as a whole family.

Focusing on her admiration for soccer, Gigi’s love affair with soccer began at a young age, and it's a passion that has only grown stronger over time. From the moment she first stepped onto the field, Gigi knew that soccer was her calling. She poured herself into the game, spending countless hours practicing and honing her skills, and soon her talent began to attract attention. During her developmental stage, Gigi competed in high-level play with the ‘California Magic Soccer Club’ as she worked on her craft, and developed into a talented player. After graduating from High School, Gigi knew that she wanted to venture into the professional world and take on a new challenge. She found this exactly when she decided to join the Rome City Gap-Year program, and was able to test herself against top Italian competition.

Gigi now finds herself playing in Rome, as a member of ‘Roma Calcio Femminile’, a Serie C team in Rome. Gigi joined Rome CF shortly after she arrived in Rome, going to a trial with the club, and immediately catching the eyes of the coaching staff.

While most would find the transition from America to Italy difficult, Gigi has thrived in her new surroundings. Quickly she asserted herself into the starting lineup at her club, doing so at the age of just eighteen. Throughout her first season in Italy, Gigi has been put in the work, both physically and mentally to find new success. Gaining the respect of her teammates and coaches for her ability on the field as well as her determination off of it, Gigi is a crucial player for her club as they push to fight their way up the table in the tail end of the season. As she continues to make strides as a player, it's clear that Gigi is a force to be reckoned with.

Growing up, Gigi's Italian heritage played a significant role in her life, and her family's ties to Italy instilled in her a deep love and appreciation for the country. As her grandparents went from Italy to the United States, Gigi’s father grew up hearing stories about his Italian culture. As a result, Gigi was raised with a strong connection to Italy and a desire to learn more about her family's roots.

When she had the opportunity to play soccer in Italy, it was a dream come true. She was thrilled at the prospect of immersing herself in Italian culture and exploring the country that had always held such a special place in her heart. And so, when the chance arrived, Gigi jumped at it, eager to see what adventures lay ahead. Her family and current sport adventures even came together when her father was able to watch Gigi and Roma CF play in Italy as they took on Academy Sant’Agata in Sicily, a special moment for Gigi and her father.

Looking forward, Gigi wants to continue down the path she has started. With her determination to be the best player she can be, Gigi is keen to carry on her development as a high-level player. As a Gap-Year student, she has merely tested the waters of what it means to play and study abroad in Italy. Looking to return next year as an Undergraduate student with Rome City, Gigi will continue to compete in the top ranks of Italian Women’s calcio, and naturally, her next step will be to challenge herself to step up from Serie C to Serie B, with Serie A being the end goal. Whether it will be with her current team or a new club who have been eagerly watching her progress all season long, Gigi is on the first step of a path that many dream about, but only few can put into action.

From her early days playing in California to her current position as a rising star in Italian soccer, Gigi continues to pursue her dreams. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a love for the game. Her journey to Rome has been one marked by determination, and her success on the field is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to the game she loves. As she navigates the challenges of playing professional soccer in a new country, Gigi serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, showing them that with dedication, hard work, and a love for what they do, anything is possible. We can't wait to see where Gigi's journey takes her next, and we're sure that wherever she goes, she'll continue to make waves both on and off the field.