By Jamie Hanzo
•
October 2, 2025
Alumnae Spotlight: Kayla Giardina ’24 At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we celebrate the achievements of our alumnae who inspire us with their dedication, talent, and perseverance. Today, we are proud to highlight the exceptional accomplishments of Kayla Giardina ’24, a true testament to the Chapelle spirit both on and off the field. A Legacy of Excellence at Chapelle Kayla’s time at Chapelle was nothing short of extraordinary. She excelled in academics, athletics, and leadership, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of Chipmunks: 📚 Academics: Kayla passed all 6 Advanced Placement courses and 2 Dual Enrollment courses, earning the prestigious title of AP Scholar. She maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and was recognized on the 5-year Distinguished Honor Roll. 🥎 Athletics: Kayla’s athletic achievements were equally impressive: - A 5-year varsity starter for the Chapelle softball team. - Named First Team All-District, All-State, and All-Metro multiple times, including earning MVP and Most Outstanding Player honors. - Made history by pitching Chapelle’s first-ever State Championship win. - Finished her high school career with an incredible 811 career strikeouts. - Kayla’s combination of academic and athletic excellence made her a standout student-athlete and a role model for her peers. Thriving at the University of Southern Mississippi Kayla’s success has continued at the collegiate level, where she is a pitcher for the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. As a freshman, Kayla made an immediate impact, both on the mound and in the classroom: 🥎 On the Field: - 118 innings pitched with 80 strikeouts and only 29 walks. - Threw six complete games, earned three saves, and achieved back-to-back shutouts. - Secured seven wins, including her first collegiate victory against Ole Miss—a huge milestone! 📚 In the Classroom: - Kayla continued to excel academically, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA while balancing the demands of athletics and academics. An Inspiration to the Chapelle Community Kayla’s journey showcases the incredible opportunities that hard work, determination, and faith can create. From leading Chapelle to its first state championship to becoming a standout collegiate athlete, Kayla has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a Chapelle Chipmunk. We are so proud of all that Kayla has accomplished and look forward to cheering her on as she continues to shine at Southern Miss. Congratulations, Kayla—you are an inspiration to us all!