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06/02/2023 08:56 AMGianna Gamble was drawn to the game of lacrosse through the desire to be amongst her companions and friends when she was very young. Yet years later, it is that camaraderie and cohesion that galvanizes her ability to maneuver multiple positions on the field.
The T-Birds’ girls’ lacrosse team junior started the sport in second grade before she did both field hockey and lax in middle school. After having her freshman season for lacrosse negated due to the pandemic, she got right back on the lax stick her sophomore spring. Gianna has amassed three goals and four assists for North Branford this campaign whilst doubling as a defender and midfielder in helping the T-Birds reach the Shoreline Conference Tournament final following a 12-4 regular season.
“I saw lacrosse as a fun way to get out of the house and be with my friends,” says Gianna. “Being on this team really helps me succeed. Everyone thinks about each other, and you have to think about others yourself. The coaching staff also helps, because they build confidence in your ability to go out there and play; they are very supportive.”
When manning the midfield, Gianna gravitates towards being a double agent on both ends of the turf. She adds that while she may need to stay more near home base when on the defensive, she loves the frenetic pace of the position.
“I like playing midfield, because you see both sides of the field,” Gianna says. “You can also see how the offense communicates with one another. On defense, it is more fast paced, and so I like being more on my feet.”
As it pertains to the main objective and mindsets in comparing the two field assignments she is tasked with toggling between, Gianna explains that while it may seem more complicated with the relay race of midfield, it is actually the easier of the two.
“In midfield, it is actually very easy just running back and forth,” says Gianna. “The struggle on defense is more about just staying in the back. The biggest adjustment between the two positions is about what I am doing at that moment.”
T-Birds’ girls’ lax Head Coach Lori Connelly heaps tons of praise upon Gianna for her ability to not only simply play through pain, but also be a versatile threat who can adjust her play style and skill set on the fly based upon the game plan and matchups.
“Although Gianna did play youth lacrosse, she did not play her freshman year. However, she didn’t let that stop her from making her presence known right away last year,” says Connelly. “Gianna is one of the most versatile players we have. Her standout position is on defense, but we also used her on midfield this year until her ongoing injury flared up again. She has a great ability to get the ball out of a crowd of people and get it moving up the field. She is also the defender we use when we have to contain a strong low attacker, because she is so shifty and strong on her feet. Gianna is just a strong all-around player who will do anything we ask and pushes herself day in and day out even when her injury makes some days harder than others.”
Gianna garners her fuel and fire to succeed from her fans in the stands in the cheering section. When it comes to playing through the pain, she showcases her selflessness by doing it for the love of the sport and her squad.
“My motivation comes from my family and my support system that includes my teammates and coaches. It is good to have people cheering you on; it motivates me to show everyone what I have and can do,” says Gianna. “With injuries, I tell myself playing through them is for the betterment of the team. It is better than sitting on the sideline, and I know I will be proud of myself in the end for not giving up.”
Keeping her motor constantly moving on and off the field, Gianna loves taking time to consistently converse with her fellow T-Birds–fostering the best atmosphere to ascend to greatness and victory within a given contest or practice.
“It helps to be active, and it has helped me improve as an athlete,” Gianna says. “Mentally, moving around and talking to people I normally would not talk to through being on the team also helps. It creates a good team environment.”
As North Branford is looking to navigate towards state-championship aspirations with a confident collective mentality, Gianna is geared towards her grades while simultaneously excelling on the turf.
“I am really focused on school, my grades, and getting into a good college. Sports help me keep my grades up; I am very focused on them in sports seasons,” says Gianna. “As a team, we know we can do it. We just need to focus on working together. It is not about one person, but rather the greater good to get far in states.”