University of California Athletics

Aaron Giacosa is in his eighth year as an academic advisor at the Athletic Study Center at Cal in 2019, working with the football team's defense and special teams, women's lacrosse, and women's soccer. Prior to his time at Berkeley, Giacosa worked as a college academic counselor for student-athletes at UCLA from 2005-11.

When Giacosa first came to Cal, he served as the football advising coordinator while working directly with wide receivers, defensive backs, and linebackers. Additionally, he served as the academic advisor to the women’s lacrosse team. He worked as the sole advisor for the football program from 2013-2017 before transitioning to his current allotment of teams.

As an academic advisor, Giacosa provides academic guidance and holistic support in response to the specific and individual needs of student-athletes. This includes helping them understand and comply with University, College and NCAA rules, academic planning which includes course and major exploration, the develop time management skills, and helping to resolve personal issues unique to athletes. He aids in the successful achievement of degree progress, suggests enrichment and personal development opportunities, explains academic services and procedures and, as graduation nears, assists student-athletes in planning for graduate school and/or exploring career options.

Furthermore, he serves as the administrator for the Degree Completion Program, which assists former Golden Bear football student-athletes looking to return to Cal and earn their degree. Some of the recent graduates he has worked with include former NFL running backs Justin Forsett and JJ Arrington and defensive end Andre Carter. He is working with other former Cal football players actively pursuing their degrees.

Giacosa is a 2004 graduate of UCLA where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He earned his master’s degree in the Cultural Studies of Sport in Education from Cal in 2015.

Giacosa and his wife, Nicole, have two daughters, Adalyn and Elyse.  

Last Updated
May 9, 2019