Carrasquillo Brings New Look to Flyers

Since freshman year, senior Gabriela Carrasquillo has wanted to play football for Framingham High,

She joined the team this year as a senior, after time with the soccer and track teams, as well as experience as a weightlifter.

But tonight, Oct. 9 may be her first time playing in a varsity game.

An injury sidelined her for the start of the season, and she finally received both a medical and athletic trainer’s clearance to play.

The winless Framingham High football team, under head coach Gary Doherty is hosting Brookline High tonight at 7 at Bowditch Field. Brookline is the last team the Flyers defeated -- two seasons ago. The Flyers also were winless last season.

“I hope to help my team win many games and be a strong football team,” said Carrasquillo. ”The team has struggled this year and last year. I truly think this is an opportunity for our team to learn resilience. Most teams do not face the struggles we face, but I see these struggles as a positive part of each and every one of our lives. We are able to learn resiliency not just for the team but also for our lives. We have learned how to be determined and have hope and have a purpose when we play.”

Carrasquillo could see tonight in the game as a free safety.

“Due to the fact that I have never played before on a team, I am trying almost every position,” said Carrasquillo. “I was initially playing Dallas linebacker but have switched my defensive focus to free safety. Offensively I practiced for both running back and slot receiver. I also have practiced for special teams numerous times such as punt block and punt return.”

Carrasquillo played soccer on the freshman and junior varsity teams. She participated in both indoor and outdoor varsity track, and this is her second season on the weightlifting team.

“I have wanted to play footballm” said Carrasquillo. “I love the physicality of the game and the intensity it requires. I also admire the discipline and training it takes to play the game.”

She said being a female on a traditional male sport is not a big issue for her or the team.

“I am treated the same as any other player. Some players at first were hesitant to tackle me but soon realized I am another “brother” per say,” said Carrasquillo.

“The only time I get treated differently is during pasta parties when they have me get my food first which is very polite,” she added.

“Overall, I am very appreciative and taken back by how accepting and welcoming my teammates and coaches have been. They truly show that they care about me and are always supporting me and cheering me on,” said the senior.

“I am a part of the team. What I immediately noticed when playing football is that the team is our family,” said Carrasquillo.

She is returning to the field, after suffering a partially torn and sprained knee injury after being tackled during the team’s first scrimmage game this season.

“I have yet to play a game but I’m very eager to get onto the field under the Friday night lights,” said Carrasquillo.

Her goals this season?

“The first is to receive a varsity letter,” said the senior. “The second is to be a strong leader within the community and hoping to defy negative stereotypes of women.”

She said it has been tough for the team trying to secure its first win this season, after going 0-12 last year.

“We practice with heart and soul because we know that is what it will take to win,” said Carrasquillo.

She said the team faces a lot of negativity, especially on social media.

“Rather than getting support we are ridiculed. I find it amazing that we are able to hear the negativity and block it out. We know that we will get a win with hard work and dedication. We know what we have to do as a team and that shows such maturity and motivation,” said Carrasquillo to Framingham Patch. “With all the outside criticism constantly bashing us, you would think our team would have zero confidence and pride. On the contrary, we believe in ourselves. We have learned to be patient for that win because we know and we believe it will come.”

Kick-off is at 7 tonight at Bowditch Field. The Flyers host the Warriors of Brookline.