Standing on the sidelines of the University of Detroit Mercy’s soccer field, Kyle Gianotti stood out—not because of his athletic prowess, but because of his unconventional path to collegiate soccer. Unlike his peers, Gianotti hadn’t spent years in competitive club leagues. Instead, he built his skills on the humble fields of Goodrich High School, where teamwork and leadership became his trademarks. As he watched the precision and speed of college-level players, Gianotti felt the weight of the challenge ahead.
“I walked on at UDM after not playing any club soccer,” he admits. “It was quite a shock to me the first day of tryouts.”
That shock, however, wasn’t discouraging—it was the beginning of a transformation that would define his approach to life on and off the field.
The Transition from Star to Role Player
Gianotti’s introduction to collegiate soccer was humbling. At Goodrich, he had been the go-to player, racking up assists and leading his team. At UDM, he had to recalibrate.
“I had always been the best player on the field, but man, these guys were next level,” Gianotti recalls.
Instead of shrinking from the challenge, he leaned into it.
“It forced me to work harder on my skills and understand that I would have a different role at the collegiate level,” he says. “With that mindset, I made the team and contributed for three seasons and became assistant coach a couple of years after graduation.”
His time on the team was about more than athleticism—it was about adapting to a collaborative environment where every player’s role mattered. That lesson in humility and teamwork would later become a cornerstone of his professional career.
Balancing Life and the Daily Commute
While many of his teammates enjoyed the convenience of campus life, Gianotti took a different route—literally. He commuted daily from his cousin Patrick Rusek’s house, juggling soccer, academics, and the demands of the daily drive.
“The kid never stopped, and he still doesn’t,” Rusek says. “Not only was he a hard-working student-athlete, but very successful too. He always had everything in order and knows how to manage his time so effectively.”
That discipline became a defining trait, helping Gianotti excel both on the soccer field and in the classroom.
From Collegiate Player to Director at Moneyball Sportswear
Today, Gianotti applies those same lessons in his role as director of events and sales representative at Moneyball Sportswear, a Michigan-based company specializing in custom athletic apparel. His responsibilities include coordinating events, fostering partnerships and supporting Moneyball’s mission to empower athletes through quality gear.
One standout achievement is his work organizing basketball tournaments at Legacy Courts in Lafayette, Indiana. Another great way they get their name out is by being a vendor at the St. Clair boat races in late July, where he and a few workers sell drinks to those wandering around and or watching.
These events provide young athletes with a platform to showcase their talents while fostering community connections.
“My mindset with business and life in general is to be truthful, work hard, and treat everyone with respect,” Gianotti says, a philosophy that resonates in every aspect of his work.
Building Relationships with Desmond Ferguson
Desmond Ferguson, CEO of Moneyball Sportswear, emphasizes the critical role that people like Gianotti play in the company’s success.
“He has really helped us build relationships within Moneyball Sportswear,” Ferguson says. “As a small business trying to compete with billion-dollar global companies, we must rely on every relationship we have to help us grow.”
In interviews, Ferguson has highlighted the importance of cultivating a strong team, noting, “It wasn’t about luck or favors. I had to push through challenges at every step. That same mentality is what we instill in everyone who works with us.”
Gianotti’s work ethic and ability to build genuine connections reflect the values that Ferguson envisioned when he founded Moneyball.
Lessons in Leadership and Giving Back
Gianotti’s journey from walk-on athlete to business leader underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience. At UDM, he learned to step outside his comfort zone and embrace new roles—a mindset that continues to guide him today.
For Gianotti, success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about giving back. His work with Moneyball involves more than just apparel; it’s about fostering community and creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes.
From the soccer fields of Goodrich to his leadership role at Moneyball Sportswear, Kyle Gianotti’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and the power of relationships. Whether organizing youth sports events or building partnerships, Gianotti continues to inspire those around him with his commitment to excellence and community.
