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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Gonzales’ all-around effort helps ‘Jackets raise blue banner
Brisa Gonzales
Hilmar’s Brisa Gonzales was named the Journal’s Athlete of the Week for her help in securing a blue banner for the Yellowjackets this season (ALEX MORALES/The Journal).

Hilmar’s Brisa Gonzales is best known for her offense, which is understandable considering she has compiled a team-leading 29 goals in the 2023-2024 season. But if you ask anybody on the Yellowjackets’ coaching staff and roster, it’s the midfielder’s defensive heroics that have played a major factor in the team clinching their first Sac-Joaquin Section Division 5 championship in over a decade.

Last Wednesday, Gonzales’ two goals catapulted Hilmar past Sonora in a 5-3 double overtime thriller in the semifinal round. Her ability to help keep the ball on Sonora’s side of the pitch helped keep the Wildcats scoreless in the added minutes. She displayed similar defensive prowess against Argonaut in the championship game Saturday. The Mustangs were kept in check, falling 2-0. Additionally, Gonzales struck in the 78th minute for Hilmar’s second and final goal of the game, giving her team some much-needed breathing room in the waning seconds of play.

“I just do whatever I can to help the team,” Gonzales said. “We work hard, and it shows with the results.”

Age:15 

Grade: Sophomore 

Favorite class: Geometry 

Favorite food: Sushi 

Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and family, playing soccer, listening to music.

Favorite movie: “A.X.L.”

Favorite color: Olive green 

Favorite athlete: Alex Morgan 

Favorite team: United States Women's National Soccer Team 

Favorite music artist: Drake 

Three songs in your playlist: “Redrum” by 21 Savage, “First Person Shooter” by Drake ft. J. Cole, “No Role Modelz” by J. Cole 

I can’t live without: … soccer.

In 10 years, I will be: … a professional soccer player, hopefully.