Johnny Giavotella ’05 has been selected as the first general manager of the University of New Orleans baseball program. A standout at Jesuit, Giavotella helped the Blue Jay baseball team win the Louisiana 5A state championships in 2002 and 2005, earning tournament MVP honors. He was an all-district and all-city selection as both a pitcher and an infielder, named USA Today Player of the Week, and starred for the Retif Oil American Legion squad. Off the field, Giavotella graduated with honors magna cum laude.

Jesuit presented numerous challenges that prepared me for life after high school, especially in my role as general manager for the UNO baseball team. Balancing time management, a demanding academic workload, attention to detail, and community outreach helped me become a better man ready to serve others. Working in the bookstore throughout all five years instilled humility and a work ethic that still guide me today. AMDG —Johnny Giavotella

Giavotella is embarking on his third stint with the Privateers. As a player from 2006–08, he batted .363—fourth in program history with 256 hits and third with 203 runs scored. He ranks among the top ten in doubles, triples, home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage. In 2007 he earned first-team All-American honors from the American Baseball Coaches Association, was named Sun Belt tournament MVP, made first-team all-conference, and helped the Privateers reach the Wichita Regional. He returned in 2019 as an assistant coach, a season that featured All-American Reeves Martin and the program’s first Gold Glove winner, Salo Iza.

After an eleven-year professional career—highlighted by three seasons with the Kansas City Royals—Giavotella brings the insights and connections he gained in the major leagues to his new role at UNO.

“I am honored to serve as the first general manager of the UNO baseball program,” said Giavotella. “I look forward to sharing my eleven years of professional experience with the players and coaches in this locker room.”

In this role, he will oversee day-to-day operations and, in collaboration with UNO’s newly announced Youth Recreation Partnership, lead the planning and execution of youth baseball initiatives. He also will build relationships with local nonprofit organizations to expand access to the sport in underrepresented communities.

Jesuit congratulates Giavotella on his appointment and looks forward to the impact he will have on UNO baseball and the wider New Orleans community.