10 Year-Old Lorena Villa Loves “Tackling” Stereotypes Playing Youth Football
By: Victoria Martinez, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2024
Meet 10 Year-Old Lorena Villa and jersey No. 12 for the Eagle Pass Renegades, a 10 Under youth football team in the Eagle Pass Youth Football Association in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Lorena is the daughter of Lucy Guardiola of Eagle Pass and is the only girl playing tackle football for the Eagle Pass Youth Football Association. She is a fourth grade student at Perfecto Mancha Elementary in the Eagle Pass Independent School District. Her favorite school subjects are math and reading.
Lorena’s younger brother, Lathan, age 8, plays football with the Eagle Pass Renegades 8 Under team. While accompanying her brother to his football practices, Lorena saw how much fun her brother was having playing football and decided to try the sport herself. Lorena was inspired by Lathan’s coach, Mia Picazo, who once played football for the C. C. Winn High School Mavericks. Lorena stated that “If Mia Picazo did it, so can I too.” She asked to be allowed to play with the Eagle Pass Renegades, but was placed with the 10 Year-Old team.
Lorena’s favorite part of tackle football is playing defense and tackling the opponent’s offensive players. She loves tackling and helping out her teammates on defense, although she plays both ways on offense and defense. She is well-liked and respected by her male teammates. The boys recognize her important skills on the field, especially tackling on defense.
When she is not on the football field tackling adversaries, she enjoys playing softball and spending time with her family. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and drawing.
As a post-football game meal, she loves eating pizza from Pizza Hut. When asked if she could have any superhero help her on the field, she replied “Superman” in memory of her older brother.
Lorena thanks her coach, Luis Villarreal, for always supporting and encouraging his players. She also thanks Antonio and Gloria Picazo, parents of Mia Picazo and coaches of the 8 Under Renegades team, for sponsoring and encouraging her to try football as a sport and fun activity.
Lorena and her team practice twice a week before playing every Saturday during the Fall season. She expressed having fun and enjoying playing football and tackling opponents offensive players.
The Eagle Pass Business Journal congratulates Lorena Villa for her courage and determination to tackle stereotypes and enjoying her newfound sport, football, and wishes her all the best in her future athletic and academic endeavors. The sky is the limit. Go Lorena and Renegades!
