Vitti earned his B.S. degree from Southern Connecticut State University in 1976 and his M.S. degree in sports medicine from the University of Utah in 1982. In addition to studying at the University of Utah, he spent two years as a trainer and teacher at the university while working as an assistant trainer with the NBA's Utah Jazz (1981-82). Following his stint with the Jazz, Vitti served as head athletic trainer and an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Portland for two years before joining the Los Angeles Lakers prior to the 1984-85 campaign. Since his arrival in Los Angeles, the Lakers have won eight NBA championships (1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010), thanks in no small part to the health of such players as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and numerous others.
In a much-deserved honor, Vitti was named the National Basketball Association's Trainer of the Year in 1991 by the NBA's Trainers Association, partially due to his philanthropic work. Having long been considered one of the top athletic trainers in the country, Vitti's services are well in demand. Complementing his NBA duties, he has also served as lead trainer for numerous other sporting events since 1984, including Los Angeles Strings tennis, the Summer Pro League and several summer basketball camps throughout the country.
