Galeazzi receives scholarship from Bill Belichick Foundation
By Tara Stanzione ’16
Francesca (Frankie) Galeazzi ’18 recently received a $5,000 individual scholarship from the Bill Belichick Foundation. Galeazzi was one of just 15 students nationwide to receive the scholarship, which requires applicants to have a minimum 3.0 GPA and play two varsity sports.
“I thought this scholarship was going to be a complete long shot,” Galeazzi said. “To finally have my efforts and dedication to being a dual athlete as well as my dedication in the classroom recognized is such an honor.”
As a two-sport athlete, Galeazzi is a defensive center midfielder on the women’s soccer team and a second baseman on the softball team. These sports have always been a large part of her life, as she loves both competition and being on a team. Galeazzi said she felt she would be doing a disservice to herself to not continue them in college.
Jessica DePolito, head softball coach, wrote a letter of recommendation for Galeazzi’s scholarship and has continued to inspire her. “While Coach DePolito has very high expectations and often pushes me past what I thought were my limits, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that all she does is what is best for me as a person and as an athlete,” Galeazzi said. “I am motivated every day as she has modeled what hard work and dedication will do for you not only in athletics, but in life as well.”
A double major in elementary and special education, Galeazzi said academics have always been very important to her. “The thought of being able to educate, share ideas and shape children into well-rounded young adults is so exciting,” she added. A few times each week, Galeazzi observes and assists students at Pell Elementary School, and she loves that the University allows her to be involved in the classroom even as a sophomore.
Balancing sports and academics has always been a part of Galeazzi’s life, and being a three-sport athlete in high school taught her how to manage her time. “Starting my day at 7 a.m. and ending it at 7 p.m. is what I do every day and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” she said. “It is part of who I am.”
