Growing up with an older brother and sister that played on different Hilltop High soccer teams, Jackie Gonzalez naturally assumed that she would one day be donning the Lancer green. That changed when her parents moved into the area served by archrival Bonita Vista High. Ironically, Gonzalez now finds herself patrolling the central midfield for the same Barons team that she grew up rooting against.

Gonzalez has a strong left foot and is deadly on set pieces. She has scored on occasion from long range and is very good at acquiring and holding the ball. She is not overly fast, but she uses her size, strength and smarts to control the midfield for Barons. Gonzalez has gradually grown into her leadership role and has the Barons off to 6-4-3 record as they head into the league portion of their schedule.

“I started playing soccer when I was seven after my Dad enrolled me in AYSO. From there I went to AYSO All-Stars and then I joined a (competitive club) called the Rangers. Last year, I played briefly for Albion (another competitive club) but then I got hurt and was in therapy. I made the varsity team here as a freshman, but didn’t play too much. I have been playing a lot though these last three years and now I am the team captain,” Gonzalez said.

There was a time when Bonita Vista totally dominated South Bay soccer. In fact, from their inception in 1982 until 2004 the Barons did not lose a single league soccer game, a national record streak of 298 games. Things have changed in recent years with Hilltop, Eastlake and Bonita Vista more on an even par. Gonzalez hopes to lead this year’s Barons team to something they once took almost for granted, a league banner.

“I try to stay positive and pump the team up. That is not always easy when you are losing. We have a lot of younger players (and only four seniors) so they often get nervous before the games and frustrated during the games. I try to work with them and be a calming influence out there.”

As a senior Gonzalez has to be aware of her future. She is hoping to continue on with soccer in college. She has sparked some interest, but has not yet received any definite offers. She knows that it is important to her chances that she maintains her B+ academic standing. That is not easy when you are an athlete.

“After soccer practice I go home and shower and then I get started on my homework. After practice I am often very tired and want to go to sleep, but I push myself. I know that I have to put in the effort to get my homework done. My parents are very encouraging both with school and soccer. My dad is very tough on me with academics, but they are both very supportive. It is a challenge for them because of their jobs, but they try to be here every time I play.”

For Gonzalez’s parents, rooting for the Barons has been an adjustment too after years on the Hilltop sidelines, but with their daughter now starring in Barons midfield they are getting used to it.