East LA Classic: Tickets, times + more | Brothers face off | Students break gender norms | DJ Mustard performs | Alumni memories | Media Day photos | How teams prepared | A record for Garfield | A look back at 2024
As the East LA Classic is set to kick off tonight, Garfield High School senior Priscilla Valencia is feeling bittersweet.
It’s the last season for the 17-year-old football player, and while she is proud of the barriers she’s helped break as the only girl on the varsity football team, it hasn’t always been easy.
Valencia says she’s felt the need to prove to herself and others that she could be a true player despite her gender.
“I see my male teammates, and they get a lot of encouragement,” said Valencia. “Then when I go up, it’s hard for people to understand that I actually do play.”
Breaking barriers on both sides of the field
It’s a similar experience across town at Garfield’s rival high school, Roosevelt, where another student is preparing for his first appearance at the Classic. While not on the football team, sophomore Raul Carvajal is perfecting his choreography as the only male drill team member on the squad.
Like Valencia, Carvajal knows what it’s like to stand out – and to keep showing up anyway. Both students, in their own way, are helping reshape traditional gender norms as they take part in one of the most storied rivalries in high school sports.
Support and perseverance
Growing up, 15-year-old Carvajal said he always had an interest in dance but never fully committed to joining until he started high school. Although at first, Carvajal was afraid to try out for the team, he said his family was excited for this new journey and supportive from the start.
“My dance teacher, Ms. Becky, influenced me because she was one of the [drill] sponsors,” said Carvajal.
Valencia said her mom was nervous about her playing football, but also proud of her for following her dreams. She’s faced inappropriate comments and stereotypes, but says football has taught her discipline and self-confidence, and shown her the value of hard work and pride in her culture.
Her teammates have also noticed that determination.
“She always gives a smile and brings her spirit to the team. I think that’s what makes a great teammate,” said Gabriel Morales, a 17-year-old senior at Garfield. He also sees Valencia’s presence as opening doors for other girls to play football and how girls can excel in traditionally male–dominated sports. “This goes to show that any girl could do whatever guys do,” said Morales.
Andrew Martinez, a coach at Garfield, notices the work ethic Valencia puts into her time. He said Valencia participates in the team’s activities, including weightlifting and field work, and is not afraid to go onto the field.
“She’s not scared to jump in with reps,” said Martinez. “She’s not scared to battle some of the boys.”
At Roosevelt, Carvajal has also faced his share of criticism as the only male member of the drill team. But Roosevelt’s drill coach, Stephanie Macias, said that didn’t stop him from sticking with it.
“He just kept going and he kept pushing,” Macias said. “He didn’t let that be the reason he didn’t continue.”
Kamila Hernandez, a senior who is also a drill team member, said she’s seen Carvajal open up and grow confidence in his dancing abilities. Carvajal wasn’t the only boy who tried out for the drill team, but according to Hernandez, he’s the only one who stayed consistent. “He goes to practice every day,” said Hernandez. “And he’s very excited to be here, which I think helps everyone else.”
Game day: Pride and passion
With the East LA Classic finally here, Carvajal said he’s excited to perform a new dance routine for the halftime show, but is also a little overwhelmed with anticipation.
“It is my first Classic. I’m expecting a lot of people, a lot of spirit, and just a lot of community in general,” said Carvajal with a big smile.
For Valencia, preparing for her last Classic has a different feel. She hopes that all of her hard work and perseverance will pay off.
“I hope that in the future, I can look back and just reminisce on all the moments I had, and all the smiles [of] putting on my cleats,” said Valencia.
Valencia said the biggest piece of advice she would give to someone is to keep going. “No matter how challenging it gets, no matter how disappointing sometimes things may be, and no matter who’s against you,” said Valencia. “You’re always going to have more people on your side than against you.”