To sophomore forward Giselle Perez, every soccer game for West Aurora is like a movie.
Perez is known as “Gigi” — think of the Oscar-winning French musical — and she has very distinctive characteristics when she’s in or out of character for the Blackhawks.
“I’m like two very different people,” she said. “Off the field, I’m very shy. Once I’m playing, I become very aggressive and bold in everything I do out there.
“I try to always be in control. I’m very calm on the ball.”
Perez maintained her torrid start to the season Tuesday night, scoring two goals and adding two assists for the Blackhawks in a 9-0 victory over Illinois Math & Science Academy.
In her first significant playing time since returning from an injury, James Madison-bound senior midfielder Olivia Del Toro scored two goals and had an assist for West Aurora (5-0).
In her breakout second season, Perez already has tallied a team-high six goals with five assists.
“I like scoring and creating for others,” she said. “Obviously, I get to celebrate my own goals, but I also love the enjoyment of my teammates and helping them do well.”
It has definitely shown up on the field.
“She has made great improvements this season,” West Aurora coach Jorge Espana said. “She has really improved her first touch, and her movement off the ball.
“Her growth and work ethic have been impressive, and she’s becoming a real asset to the team.”
At 5-foot-2, Perez is quick, explosive to the ball and uses her speed to gain the upper hand. She has also become more familiar and instinctual in her playing style while existing in the moment.
“I think the biggest difference from my freshman season is that I just trained, practiced and tried my best to become a better player,” she said. “Last year, I think I was in my head a lot.
“That made my confidence go down and made me not as good a player as I am. I’ve improved my speed and touch. Now, my coach says whenever I get the ball at my feet, I’m dangerous.”
Perez was one of several sophomores who scored goals against IMSA. Lizbeth Salinas, the other starting forward, had a goal and two assist and midfielder Makayla Parra also had a goal.
The combined youth, energy and spirit of the sophomore class is a crucial reason the Blackhawks have posted a 33-1 scoring differential through five games.
“We’re all close,” Parra said. “Gigi is a very determined and passionate person. When she sets a goal for herself, she won’t stop until she reaches it. She just shines.
“It’s amazing to watch her play because she is so calm and collected. She is also very quick and fast-paced. By the time the defenders are trying to stop her, she is already about to score.”
Perez has also developed a vital rapport with Salinas in their first year playing together. Salinas has five goals and five assists, and the two attacking players have played off each other brilliantly.
“From the start we just clicked,” Perez said. “In the game, we both assisted each other, showing how well we played together. I feel like having her there just makes me feel more comfortable.”
Perez started playing the sport organizationally in fifth grade. The game just suits her personality and desire to stand out on her own terms.
“I’m very competitive in everything and I always want to win games,” she said. “I think I was just born that way. When I think about it, the thing I love the most about playing is just making friends.
“It feels like home, because whenever I play, it just makes me feel good.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
