THIBODAUX, La. – Amanda Gianelloni, Nicholls alumna and member of the Athletics Hall of Fame, was drafted as the eighth overall selection in the first round by San Francisco in the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League.
Gianelloni was the only player from Louisiana in the draft and was joined by internationally-known women athletes in the top 30 list. The new league includes four teams in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Boston that will play a seven-week season at the central location of Springfield, Illinois, in 2026.
During her time as a Colonel, Gianelloni broke numerous records and was selected to the USA Baseball Women’s National Team. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing in 2018 and a Master of Business Administration in 2021 from Nicholls. She was inducted into the 2024 class of the Nicholls Athletics Hall of Fame.
“We are obviously so proud of Amanda’s continued success, and being one of the first women drafted into this league is an amazing addition to her list of accomplishments,” said Jonathan Terrell, vice president for collegiate athletics at Nicholls. “I know she will continue to show her Colonel Pride in San Francisco.”
The WPBL is the first pro league for women since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League — immortalized in the film “A League of Their Own” — dissolved in 1954.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 21, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Suire
Media Relations & Publications Coordinator,
985.448.4141 or payton.suire@nicholls.edu