Giovanni Chiappano – Senior
Men's Golf
3.52 GPA, Economics & Business Administration (Marketing/Entrepreneurship emphasis)
CU's No. 2-ranked player

A product of Chapman's international recruiting program through undergraduate admissions, the Italian import has been able to combine his passion for Italian culture with his course of study and still play golf at a high level. Gio has found time to succeed in two majors, start a business with friends and excel on the golf course, ranking among the top players in the SCIAC with a 6-handicap this season.

Here's our Q&A with Giovanni:

Why did you choose to come to Chapman and be an athlete?
I decided to come to Chapman for its outstanding and fast growing Argyros School of Business. Chapman was also a perfect fit to pursue my golf dreams, improve, and compete. Before Chapman, golf wasn't my main sport, since when I was living in Italy I used to ski competitively. However coming to Chapman I decided to commit to improve in order to compete for its also fast-growing team.

What do you like most about the balance in Division III between academics and athletics?
Division III definitely requires less of a commitment to the team, as money and scholarships are not involved. But I treat the golf team just as if we were the best team in Division I. If that requires staying up at night to study more, that's what I will do. Nonetheless, the balance between Division III and academics definitely allows people to concentrate on their academics more and that's helpful for the future.

What unique opportunities has Chapman provided for you in your studies?
At Chapman I was able to build a very interesting and amazing network which I and my fellow teammates and students will be able to carry with us for the rest of our lives. In fact, along with two former teammates, Sean Dusselier and Rohan Bahri, I have started a 100% made in Italy golf clothing brand called Jack of Hearts which is soon to be launched on the market. Through my Chapman network, I also have found internships and had the opportunity to meet people that made me more of a global citizen than I would have been.

What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation I hope to stay in the U.S. to work. My dream job would be one in an industry of my interest, definitely within the golf/sport industry, and something that could possibly relate to my Italian heritage.

by Doug Aiken 
Sports Information Director

Become a fan of Chapman Athletics on Facebook
Follow Chapman Athletics on Twitter @ChapmanSports
Post your #PantherPic to Instagram @ChapmanSports
#Chaptown
#WhyD3