By Connor Ryan – Staff Reporter

Freshman Gabby Rodriguez, a goalie for the Law girls soccer team, is looking forward to the rest of the season.

Rodriguez has played soccer, softball, and basketball for years. She has been looking forward to her high school career, and she has already helped Law qualify for the State Tournament.

“Gabby has adapted very well to the varsity level,” Senior Captain Maddy Baranowsky said. ”She meshes really well with the team and is confident in her abilities.”

Junior Captain Avery Moulton has helped out Rodriguez, being open to her and helping her on and off the field. 

“As a captain, I have helped Gabby open up to the team on and off the field,”  Moulton said. “Being so close to Gabby on the field shows that we need to have a strong connection and have trust in one another.”

Rodriguez was nervous going into her freshman season. Once she arrived she felt very welcome and was invited to many of the activities the team had planned. 

“The team was very welcoming and friendly,” Rodriguez said. “They also went out of their way to include me and other underclassmen in everything.”

Moulton realized that Rodriguez was shy at first, but that has since changed.

“At the start of her freshman season she was very timid,” Junior Captain Avery Moulton said. “Everyday at conditioning or practices, I would talk to her and get her to open up and feel more comfortable around the team.”

Rodriguez has been a key player to this team this year and hopes to do the same for the rest of the season.

“Gabby has stepped into a starting varsity position without looking nervous,” Head Coach Mrs. Francisco said. “She has made huge saves to keep us in the lead and meshes well with the returning varsity players.”

Sophomore Emily Vella also gets help from Rodriguez by her communication skills. 

“Gabby is very communicative with us and is always very encouraging and supportive,” Vella said. “She also never fails to make us laugh, but she makes sure to listen to others instructions when the time comes.”

Rodriguez’s teammates and coaches are impressed by her calm demeanor on the field.

“Even though Gabby never seems nervous on the outside, I think as she develops over the next four years, she will gain confidence that is visible to all and intimidating to other teams,” Francisco said.

Francisco said she’s blessed to have two freshman goalkeepers – Rodriguez and Tamlyn Maher. She looks forward to seeing the two of them grow and develop.

“I am lucky to have two freshmen goalkeepers that I am confident in having in net,” Francisco said, “I look forward to seeing both of them develop the confidence and intimidation factor that I know they can have.”