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06/13/2023 12:13 PMGianna Palma sees the game of lacrosse as a strong stress reliever and, for the North Branford girls’ lacrosse team, the feeling was mutual as she helped put the Thunderbirds’ coaching staff’s collective mind at ease with respect to developing a defensively sound game plan.
The senior low defender began playing lacrosse prior to middle school, and then jumped onto field hockey–a sport she also played for the T-Birds–in 7th grade. Gianna helped anchor down a defense for North Branford that allowed only 8.5 goals a game during the T-Birds’ 12-4 regular season as they returned to the Shoreline Conference Tournament finals.
“I love lacrosse because it is a sport where you can show up every day with your friends, play a game, and have fun, which helps relieve stress,” says Gianna. “My personal success comes from my coaches from all of my current and previous teams. They all inspire me to be a better player, person, and put in all the hard work. I am also inspired by my family with my six siblings.”
The frenetic pace of play can create some stress and anxiety for Gianna, though she loves being in the often unsung hero position on defense by being a beacon on the turf in terms of visualization and shining a light on what needs to be done.
“Playing low defender, it can be tough with how fast the ball comes and thinking fast. In one second, you could let the ball go by and it could end up in the goal,” Gianna says. “I love how you can see everything happening; everything is in front of you and you can see the entire field so when the ball comes to you low, you get a feel for the pace of the game.”
Gianna notes that throughout the course of her lax career, she discovered that there can be days that test the physical and mental mettle of an individual, and simply by showing up and giving your best effort, it can make you that much stronger for even steeper challenges ahead.
“I learned to always show up and be there,” says Gianna. “There are some days where you don’t want to be there, but if you work hard, it’ll work out for you for the days that are even harder. Showing up on those tough days will also push your teammates to be better players.”
North Branford girls’ lacrosse Head Coach Lori Connelly notes that Gianna is the embodiment of a near-perfect athlete and teammate, based on how she is always ready and willing to do anything for her club while additionally being a dynamite defender who can disrupt any offense for swatting aside passes.
“Gianna is a dream athlete who is always doing everything right. Gianna always works as hard in practice as she does in games and always gives everything she has,” says Connelly. “She never complains about anything at all and will do whatever you need her to do. She is one of the most coachable players I have ever had on my team, and she just always does the right thing. As for her defensive skills, she is a tough player who is willing to stand up against any offensive player and take a charge if needed for her team. She has no fear on defense and has a great stick for knocking down passes for the other team. She is a quiet person by nature, but on the field, she makes her presence known in her play. Gianna is an all-around special athlete and person, and I am going to miss her lead-by-example persona next year.”
Showing her maturity and great deal of gratitude, Gianna heaps praise back upon her sideline mentors in helping her acquire the skill set to be a dominant disruptor in the opposing offenses’ passing games.
“Our coaches here are amazing. Through the years, they have helped me learn new tools and plays that I never knew through playing in middle school,” Gianna says. “I credit them for my skills, and I also practice at home. I also learned new things through playing with girls my age.”
The pressure of balancing balls and books simultaneously is actually advantageous for a go-getter like Gianna. She notes that with the right upbeat mentality and undying desire to keep the motor moving, anything is possible.
“My main goals going forward are to always do better in sports and school,” says Gianna. “With things like grade checks, playing sports has helped me stay on top of my grades. My other goals are just to work hard, be there, and have a great attitude. Those things have helped me become a better player.”
Despite not being sent off with a state championship in her grasp, Gianna garnered plenty of pivotal knowledge and motivation from her time with the Thunderbirds.
“It was inspirational honestly seeing all the players and coaches and their dedication to the team,” Gianna says. “I learned a lot from my time here, and discovered life lessons which have stuck with me.”