Gia Saggese loves the game of softball and anytime she is out on the field, she feels at home. A senior at Edmond North, and her high school career coming to an end, she is excited about her future and being able to see all of her hard work pay off.
“I committed in December of 2023 to Missouri Southern State University,” she said proudly. “It has taken a lot of sacrifices on weekends, late nights and early mornings. It’s working when no one else thinks you are. That is how I have gotten where I am.”
Along with playing softball, Gia is also a member of the school’s track team. Outside of sports, she is a member of the National Honor Society and she also volunteers at an assisted living center in Edmond.
While she has worked hard over her career, Saggese has had people in her life that have helped make her a better person and athlete.
“My dad is one of my biggest role models,” she said. “He has spent countless hours, effort and time with me and my passion. He has made a ton of sacrifices for me to be the player I am today. My hitting coach, Mike Madden with the Oklahoma A’s and my travel coach Mike Spain with Gametime, have also influenced me and have always pushed me and helped formulate my skills, they never gave up or doubted me and have always been there for me even personally. Also, I am honored to play for coach Nordyke and especially it being both our last years at north. I take pride in playing for Edmond North.”
Rivalries are always a significant part of any athlete’s career, knowing that out of all the teams you face, you want to defeat them the most. Gia says that the other two Edmond schools are her favorite to face.
“Edlam games are always the best games with the biggest crowds,” she said. “Beating Memorial for my senior year in 11 innings and winning 5-4 was one of the most intense games I’ve ever played.”
