Fourteen-year-old Giana Raitano is modest and unassuming – that is until you get her on a softball field. This 14-year-old softball player is a fierce competitor with hopes of one day playing for a Division I softball program. She recently received a $3,000 scholarship to help make that dream come true by offsetting costs associated with playing for one of the most prestigious and competitive traveling softball clubs.

Raitano has been playing softball since she was five. At age 7 she started playing for a traveling club and by 9 she was playing with second-year 12-year-olds. At age 11 she joined the elite national travel program, the Beverly Bandits, which was founded by entrepreneur Bill Conroy and where she is currently on the 16U team. She plays corners (first and third bases) and catcher and is a secret weapon for the team as a switch hitter.

“Giana is a natural at the sport,” said Mom Christina. “Growing up she had super eye-hand coordination that continues to serve her well.” And mom would know. Christina starting playing softball at age 9 and played shortstop in high school. In fact, athleticism and competition are in Raitano's blood – her dad played football and wrestled, and her three siblings played baseball and softball. As the baby of the family, she has been around the sport pretty much her whole life.

She’s dedicated to the sport and motivated by her teammates. She has a hitting coach, does agility training, and practices on her own to improve her skill and maintain her position on the team. She is currently listed as one of the top 100 U.S. softball players in the 2022 graduating class. And her best friend is on the team.

“I love my teammates. We spend a lot of time together, which is how I met my best friend Madi four years ago,” noted Raitano. “She lives in Crown Point [Indiana] and is like a sister. She and the other girls are really good, which forces us all to work hard and keep up our skills.”

That is true on and off the field. Raitano maintains a 3.8 GPA (4.0 scale) while taking Biology, Algebra, Honors English and Honors World History this year. “It’s hard to keep up with everything, including practice after school, but I am good at organizing and I am learning time management. I focus on homework during my eighth period which is study hall, and then I know I have drills and hitting practice in the evenings.”

“As a softball travel program player, Raitano has had to sacrifice a lot, such as time with friends and family, but I am proud of the way she handles it all so well,” said Christina. “It’s not always easy, but she battles through.”

Her father, Tony, has been right there by her side, as well. He’s very hands-on, often leading her through drills and making sure she has what she needs to pursue her passion. “We are very proud of Giana,” Tony noted. “She recognizes that it is an honor and a privilege to be on the Beverly Bandits team. That means she has to really perform, or she may not be asked to return. And if she is good enough to stay in the program, there is a very strong chance of playing for a Division I school.”

That dedication and commitment do not come easy – or cheap. The costs can be prohibitive – from airfare or ground transportation, hotels, and food to registration fees, coaches and equipment costs – this sport can run in the tens of thousands of dollars per season. According to Tony and Christina, the Project CLEER scholarship is a huge blessing, relieving some of the financial burdens for this blended family of four children and three dogs.

“Tournaments are nearly every weekend over a 10-month period,” said Tony. “Beyond travel costs are things like replacing a torn equipment bag or a split bat and purchasing new catcher’s protective gear that she’s outgrown. That’s easily in the hundreds of dollars. So we are truly grateful and honored to have the hard work of Giana recognized with this scholarship from Project CLEER.”

Project CLEER (Clean Environment for Education Rewards) is a nonprofit organization that offers a unique way to generate funds for schools and youth organizations through the sale of high-quality products that can improve overall health and/or athletic performance of student-athletes. Founded by Dr. Ashley S. Scott, an accomplished businessman, and father of three young female athletes, the organization is his passion project.

“My parents taught me that life’s formula for fortune is helping others to help themselves,” said Dr. Scott on why he started Project CLEER. “I played sports throughout my early years and now I have two daughters who play softball and one daughter pursuing golf. I don’t have to imagine what these parents are going through because I live it. I consider it a blessing to help young ladies continue to pursue their dreams.”

Giana was selected because of her dedication to education and athletics. Student-athletes who maintain a 3.0 GPA in school and demonstrate a commitment to a sport and a need for financial assistance are eligible for consideration.