By Ken Hansard
Many kids fall in lovewith sports after being thrust into them by parents who simply want them to “try something” or to “get involved.” ForFrank Giamalva, senior shortstop for the Leavenworth Pioneers baseball squad, that love of competition came from a mom and dad who both played sports at the collegiate level.
Giamalva’s love of the game has helped him to garner respect and recognition from teammates and coaches alike. Frank was awarded First-Team All-Conference last year in the UKC (United Kansas Conference). Regarding that accomplishment, Frank remarked, “I’m proud of that accomplishment. It was something I worked really hard to achieve.”
The Pioneers, as a team, finished 13-15 last season, placing second in conference play, and eventually losing in the second round of the playoffs. As for the team’s prospects for the 2026 season, Giamalva feels that they will have a pretty good chance of success, but that they will need to have some new players step up and produce, “We may run into some pitching challenges and will need to develop some younger prospects this year.”
Now that Giamalva is in his final year with the Pioneers, heis in position to give back to the game that he loves and to help lead his less seasoned teammates, “More than anything, I look forward to seeing the younger kids mature and be a big factor this year. I see my role as being a leader in the dugout, as well as a crucial part of the lineup and a leader on defense.”
Giamalva has worked hard in the off-season to improve his game, and hopefully his team’s chances for success, “I really worked hard defensively on my arm strength and on being more accurate. I think it would be great for our team to finish my final year on a high note, and I’d love to possibly earn First-Team All-State at shortstop.”
Following graduation this spring, Giamalva plans to continue his education and play college baseball at Colby Community College.
