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04/22/2021 12:00 AMFrancesca Valletta proved a true leader with the Branford girls’ basketball team this year. Francesca served as a senior captain for the Hornets and loved every second of leading her team on the court.
Francesca tried out a few different sports while growing up, but basketball was that one that she stuck with. Francesca started playing in North Branford’s recreational program at age seven and then switched over to Branford’s rec league. Francesca went on to play at Walsh Intermediate School before joining the Hornets at the high school.
By playing from a young age, Francesca not only improved her basketball skills, but she also made plenty of friends along the way. That aspect only increased her interest in the sport.
“I tried out a bunch of sports when I was younger. Basketball was the one I liked the most,” says Francesca. “I just liked the competitiveness and playing with my friends.”
When she started high school, Francesca joined the girls’ basketball squad to play guard for the Hornets. She spent her freshman and sophomore seasons competing for the JV team. Francesca gained a lot of valuable experience, in addition to developing her leaderships skills, while playing at the JV level.
“It was fun. When I found out I was going to play on JV, I took that as a positive thing,” Francesca says. “I worked on myself and led the JV team. Hopefully, the kids thought I was a leader.”
Francesca started seeing varsity minutes during the second half of her junior season. As a senior, she earned her first varsity start. Jumping up to varsity was a little nerve-wracking at first, but as she began to see more minutes, Francesca’s confidence took off.
“Freshman year, I didn’t think I was as good as the other players. I definitely pushed myself more and more each year,” Francesca says. “It progressed into more positive thinking and trying to play better each and every practice.”
In addition to getting her first varsity start as a senior, Francesca also led Branford as a captain alongside fellow senior Gabby Lucertini. Francesca felt that it was a huge honor to be named a captain. The fact that she was leading a close-knit Hornets’ team made the experience all the more special.
“It meant a lot. They told me I was a captain in front of the entire team. It was nice that others got to look up to me and be a leader,” says Francesca. “We were all really good friends. It was fun and competitive at the same time.”
Rob Manghnani became Branford’s coach in Francesca’s sophomore season. During the past three years, Manghnani saw Francesca make significant strides as a player, while also becoming a top-notch leader.
“Frannie was with me since her sophomore year and was able to improve significantly to become a strong contributor to our varsity team,” Manghnani says. “She was a tremendous captain who was extremely optimistic with all of our younger players. She was a huge asset to our program this year and for her whole career.”
In addition to playing basketball, Francesca has also been a member of Branford’s softball team since her freshman year. Francesca, who plays second base, third base, and the outfield for the Hornets, is slated to continue playing the sport at Bay Path University in Massachusetts after she graduates from high school. Francesca says that she’s come a long way as an overall athlete as a result of playing both softball and basketball.
“Passing-wise for basketball, I have a strong arm from softball, so that helps. Some of the mental things from basketball, I put into softball,” Francesca says. “Things like teamwork, motivating your teammates, and getting the W—there’s some similarities between the two.”
After playing several sports as a youngster, Francesca ultimately found her home on the basketball court. Francesca appreciates the gigantic impact that playing basketball in Branford has had on her life.
“Basketball was a way for me to be with my friends on the team, being competitive and showing my positive side on the court,” says Francesca. “Playing basketball for Branford allowed me to meet new people. Coming home and telling my family we won meant a whole lot to them.”