Johnny Giavotella returned to the Lakefront for the 2019 season, his first as a student assistant after the New Orleans native made an indelible mark on the program.

Giavotella's name is plastered all over the Privateers record book from his days as a student-athlete. From 2006-08 Giavotella hit .363 in 705 career at-bats. His batting average ranks eighth in program history.

On top of his prolific batting average, Giavotella also ranks in the top ten in runs (third), doubles (seventh), triples (fourth), home runs (fifth), total bases (third), slugging percentage (eighth), RBI (fifth), and walks (sixth). During his time on the Lakefront, the Privateers went to two NCAA regionals and won the 2007 Sun Belt tournament championship.

In 2007, Giavotella earned All-Region and All-American honors. He was also a two-time All-Sun Belt selection in '07 (first team) and '08 (second team).

Giavotella went on to play professionally after getting drafted in the second round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals. Giavotella made his Major League debut in August 2011 against Detroit and went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base.

In total, Giavotella appeared in 360 career Major League games with three teams (Royals, Angels, Orioles).