Team Italy's Chiara Biasi making progress at Miami Dade College

Enrolled at the same school Mike Piazza attended over 30 years ago in the Sunshine State, Team Italy women's softball standout Chiara Biasi gained invaluable experience playing abroad for the 2018 Miami Dade College Lady Sharks. While competing in the 2017 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Junior Women's World Championship in Clearwater, Chiara Biasi got a quick glimpse of life in Florida. Upon the recommendation of Azzurre pitcher Greta Cecchetti, who had an illustrious career at Polk State and Texas A&M in Corpus Christi, Chiara Biasi returned across the Atlantic with fellow Italian softball teammate Jasmine Bernardini in search of a higher level of competition than that found in Europe to step up their game for Team Italy. Upon landing on American soil, the college freshman pitcher improved her English language skills dramatically. She went on to appear in 18 games for Miami Dade College this year. Having amassed 83.1 innings during the season, Chiara Biasi was the workhorse of the 2018 Lady Sharks' rotation with 14 starts and led the team with four wins. Second in ERA (3.14) and third in strikeouts (20), pitcher Chiara Biasi was worth her weight in gold for Miami Dade College. A long distance away from her home in Torino, the former pitching ace for the La Loggia softball squad is making her impression felt in America. Since graduating from Liceo Scientifico I.I.S. Norberto Bobbio, Chiara Biasi has been focused on playing softball to the best of her ability and pursuing an education in medicine or veterinary science abroad. Between her studies and refining her skills to help Team Italy in the upcoming 2018 WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship in Chiba, Japan, Chiara Biasi is on a mission to reach her peak potential as a student athlete. She wakes up early to study before classes and in the afternoon arrives at the diamond an hour before other players get to practice to work on pitching drills. Lady Sharks infielder Jasmine Benardini spoke highly of her Italian friend and said, "For her it's never enough. Chiara is very determined so when she sets out on a goal she tries to achieve it and never gives up." Let's wish Chiara Biasi the best in her educational and athletic pursuits. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti