Freshman Valentina Isabella Matos Pizzorni is making history as the first girl to join the school’s junior varsity football team. Her journey into football began in middle school with flag football, where she first discovered her passion for the game.

“I always looked forward to it,” Matos Pizzorni recalled. “Catching the ball and sprinting down the field gave me an exhilarating rush that other sports didn’t provide.”

Encouraged by her father, Matos Pizzorni dedicated herself to improving her skills, eventually earning a spot on her middle school football team. When she transitioned into high school, Matos Pizzorni reached out to head football coach Earl Sims to express her interest in football.

“When I was applying to Gulliver and looking at the sports offerings, it just stated ‘football’,” she explained. “It didn’t specify ‘boys’ football,’ so I thought, why not try it out?”

Head Football Coach Earl Sims welcomed Matos Pizzorni to the football team, marking a significant milestone as she became the first female member. Joining a traditionally male-dominated sport has its challenges. The physical nature of tackle football, combined with being 5’5” and 130 pounds, often puts Matos Pizzorni up against larger teammates in practice.

“My parents are especially concerned about that,” she said. “And I do understand them—I’m concerned too at times.”

Despite the size disparity, Matos Pizzorni focuses on her training and remains dedicated to her team.

“I have faith in my team and concentrate on what I can do to perform at my best,” she said.

During practices, Matos Pizzorni participates in all drills, scrimmages, and weight sessions—with modifications made for her body type. Her determination has sparked discussions about starting a girls’ football or flag football team. Director of Athletics Andre Torres confirmed that the school is exploring options based on interest and available funding.

“The school evaluates these factors annually to determine the feasibility of supporting a new team,” Torres said.

As Matos Pizzorni prepares to participate in games, she understands that her football journey is just beginning.

“I’m still a newbie at this level,” she said. “I’ll be patient and wait until coach [Sims] believes I am ready to play.”

Her presence on the team has already inspired other girls to consider football as a viable sport.

“If there are girls who want to play, they should take action,” Matos Pizzorni said. “Nothing will happen if you don’t make a move.”

This story was originally published on The Raider Voice on October 11, 2024.