By Jasmine Garcia
Contributing Writer
The Gilbert Tigers flag football team is more than just a group of players, it’s a close-knit family, brought together by the Guerrero sisters and their father, JD Guerrero, who is the assistant coach.
Jalyssa, Jasmine, and Jaylin have become the heart of the team, blending family dynamics with a shared passion for the sport. Together, they show how family bonds can strengthen not only individual players but the entire team culture.
For Jalyssa Guerrero, the oldest of the three sisters and a natural leader, flag football is more than a game, it’s a commitment.
"I approach my role by leading by example," Jalyssa says, driven to show her siblings what’s possible through hard work and determination.
Playing alongside her sisters adds extra meaning to each game. "My journey in flag football has been fun and eventful," she says.
Jasmine, the middle sister, brings her own unique strengths to the team. Known for her energy and adaptability, she serves as a bridge between her older and younger sisters, helping to maintain harmony both on and off the field. Jasmine’s approach is to find the right balance, keeping her sisters motivated while encouraging the entire team to keep pushing forward. Her ability to mediate, lead, and support others helps foster unity, making the team feel like an extended family.
For Jaylin, the youngest of the three, her sisters’ presence provides both motivation and a support system.
"Being one of the standout players comes with a lot of responsibilities and pressure, especially having siblings. I look up to both of my sisters for guidance and support while they help me learn more about the game" Jaylin shares.
Jaylin sees her sisters’ guidance as instrumental in her growth, and the unique bond they share allows her to balance the challenges of sibling rivalry with the rewards of mutual support.
"Balancing being a sibling and a teammate can be difficult. Sometimes the roles clash when sibling rivalry kicks in on the field, going from supporting each other and competing hard" she admits.
Their father and coach, JD, has mastered the balance between being a supportive dad and a tough coach.
"If we’re in football mode, they know to call me 'coach,'" he says.
JD’s commitment to fairness ensures that all players, including his daughters, are held to high standards. He regularly sends his daughters motivational quotes and advice, reminding them of the importance of dedication and hard work, both in sports and in life.
The Guerrero family’s influence on the team culture is undeniable. As leaders, Jalyssa and Jasmine embody their father’s values of discipline, teamwork, and accountability. Together, they’ve developed their own pre-game ritual with JD, a handshake and pep talk about their goals for the game.
"We usually do our handshake with our dad and talk about what we’re going to do well before the game," Jalyssa shares.
This simple tradition strengthens their bond and reminds them of the support they have both on and off the field.
As teammates, the sisters have a unique understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Jalyssa, aware of Jasmine and Jaylin’s tendencies and moods, knows when they need encouragement or reassurance during a tough game.
"Being a teammate and a sister is cool because I know when they’re having a hard game,I help them relax and make sure they are good to go, " Jasmine says.
For Jasmine, seeing her sisters grow as both players and individuals is deeply rewarding, as they push each other to be their best.
JD has witnessed how his daughters’ connection influences their play, often in ways that surprise him.
"I’ve seen their connection impact their play many times," he says.
Occasionally, they’ll instinctively move toward the same play, sometimes even crashing into each other in their eagerness to succeed. Their competitive spirits push each other to improve, but their mutual support helps them navigate the challenges that come with playing at a high level.
The Guerrero family’s commitment to flag football is about more than wins or trophies; it’s about building a legacy.
"One lesson I hope they take is that they learned to play this game when people said girls couldn’t play," JD says with pride.
His daughters are making history together, breaking down barriers for the next generation of girls. Jalyssa, who hopes to pursue collegiate soccer, dreams of leading the team to a championship and proving that "the Guerrero sisters can do it."
For the Gilbert Tigers, the Guerrero sisters’ presence has become a cornerstone of the team’s identity. JD believes their leadership and dedication set a high standard, motivating everyone around them.
"We work hard for everything we get" he says.
Their influence on the team goes beyond skill, they’ve created an atmosphere of hard work, unity, and resilience.
The Guerrero family’s journey is not just about athletic achievement but a story of family, shared dreams, and lasting impact. As they play, lead, and grow together, the Guerrero sisters prove that family ties, combined with determination and resilience, can leave an enduring mark on the field and beyond.
Comentarios