By Jasmine Garcia
Contributor
In the fast-growing world of girls' flag football in Arizona, Jalyssa Guerrero has led the Gilbert Tigers to multiple victories, representing strength and relentless drive on the field.
As a senior, Guerrero has racked up impressive stats this season, including 632 receiving yards, six rushing touchdowns and a remarkable 6.3-yards per reception average. With her versatility, leadership, and unmatched work ethic, Guerrero has become the heart of the Tigers team.
Guerrero’s journey began in pro camps with her brother.
“When high school started, I knew flag football was going to be fun because I was always up against good competition growing up,” she recalls.
By her sophomore year, her talent was undeniable. She helped establish Gilbert High School's first girls' flag football club team and quickly became its face.
During her debut season, Guerrero was a dominating force, rushing for over 1,000 yards, receiving more than 700 yards, and scoring 14 touchdowns. She also had an incredible 17 interceptions and over 34 points in field goal kicks. This remarkable performance earned her the titles of Cardinals Player of the Week, league MVP, team MVP, and the first-ever Cardinals Player of the Year.
Guerrero’s athletic background in club soccer gave her the stamina and agility needed to dominate as a wide receiver, running back, and safety.
“In my sophomore year, I knew I was going to be a standout player,” Guerrero says. “Winning the Cardinals Player of the Year in the first-ever season solidified that.”
Fast forward to her senior season, Guerrero is once again making waves. With 37.2 yards per game and top-tier rankings across multiple categories, including top 28 nationally for one stat, top four in Arizona for another, and top two in Division 6A, which shows that her stats truly speak for themselves.
In a standout game against Maryvale, Guerrero was unstoppable. She not only scored two touchdowns but also added successful extra points, leading her team to a 66-0 victory. Another game that holds significance for Guerrero was the intense battle against Desert Ridge, where she says, “We played our hardest and put all our effort into keeping up with the team.”
Her accomplishments extend far beyond stats. Guerrero was named to the Fiesta Bowl All Preseason Team, recognizing her hard work and leadership.
“My proudest moment this season is being on the Fiesta Bowl team,” she says. “I’ve come a long way from just starting as a sophomore to showing everyone that girls can do it, too.”
Head coach Brian Winstead and assistant coach JD Guerrero, Jalyssa’s father, both praise her work ethic and leadership qualities.
“She has a unique ability to make cuts that most players can't do, and she does it without losing speed,” says Winstead. “She's grown as a leader, always leading by example on the field, and now she's learning to lead with her voice as well.”
Her father, Coach JD Guerrero, says coaching her has been a dream.
“Coaching Jalyssa has been an awesome experience, mostly rewarding, but also challenging at times. It has been amazing watching her hard work pay off, making dynamic plays on the field and challenging herself to be more than a soccer player."
JD recalls their early days playing catch and how he would line her up as a defender against her older brother.
“I never thought she would actually play football," JD said.
Jalyssa’s leadership extends beyond her own performance, as she mentors younger players, helping them refine their skills and build confidence.
“She’s become a guiding force for our younger girls,” says Winstead, emphasizing the impact she’s having on the next generation of players.
Guerrero draws personal motivation from her family, especially her younger sisters.
“My little sisters motivate me because I want them to see that if you keep working hard, more people are going to start to recognize you. When you do that, the hard work will really pay off,” she explains.
Her role as a mentor and leader has not only pushed her to be the best on the field but has also made her a pioneer for young girls in sports.
As girls' flag football gains traction, Guerrero’s success inspires athletes across Arizona. Her journey shows that girls can excel in sports traditionally dominated by boys, and her contributions to Gilbert High's program have laid a foundation for future athletes.
Looking ahead, Guerrero has her sights set on college, with a passion for soccer guiding her ambitions.
“I’d love to play soccer in college, but I also want to show young girls around me that it’s possible,” she says.
Her high school career has paved the way for other girls to follow in her footsteps.
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