Trying to follow in his father’s footsteps in the game of soccer was not an easy task for Gianfranco Bravo, as his father had played professionally for Emelec, a club team in Ecuador. Bravo, however, was up to the challenge.
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Bravo was introduced the to the game at an early age, and was competing competitively at the age of five. Although Bravo played well at right back, his team , did not fair so well.
“There were a lot of private schools and most of the kids were from Spain, so they were nasty,” Bravo said.
When he wasn’t playing competitively for his school, it was tough to find a place to play, because Caracas is a city. However, his coach found a park a few blocks from his house to set up matches with kids from around the neighborhood.
When he wasn’t playing soccer, he kept himself active as a competitive swimmer until the age of ten.
“I have been swimming ever since I was first put into water at eight months old,” Bravo said.
With a lot crime happening in Venezuela, his mom, dad, and younger brother, GianCarlo, moved to the United States in 2000 when Bravo was nine. He played in the U-14 league, where he was skilled enough to be moved to the striker position. The move paid off as he averaged eight goals a season.
Bravo attended Monument High School out of Great Barrington. In his freshman year, he scored four goals in his first game at JV. It was evident that Bravo was ready to play at the Varsity level, and was moved there his sophomore year.
In his senior year of high school, he helped lead his team to the Northern Division title.
One of his favorite memories in high school came when he scored the winning goal against fellow teammate Ben Twomey, who at the time played for Wahconah High School. But it would be the downfall for his high school team at the hands of fellow current teammate Joe Deady, at the time attending Belchertown High, would tie the match up 1-1 with nine seconds remaining in regulation and eventually end Bravo’s season in penalty kicks.
Also playing for Westbrook United, a club team, he was recruited to come to play for MCLA by coach Adam Hildabrand.
“Coach had contacted me and he asked me if I wanted to play college soccer,” Bravo said.
Bravo was recruited by Endicott to play soccer and also considered UMass Amherst, but decided to come and play for MCLA because it was close to home.
Freshman year was a learning experience for Bravo, as he was a bench player as well as a starter throughout the season, but saw good minutes in every game at the outside midfielder position. The team would qualify for the MASCAC playoffs and play Worcester State, but the day would end in a loss.
“We played hard, but it wasn’t enough,” Bravo said. “It was unfortunate that the seniors had to go out without a title.”
Bravo had expected to make the MASCAC playoffs ever year he was here, but as it turned out, he would only make the playoffs his first and last years here at MCLA.
In his senior year, Coach Hildabrand would move Bravo to the right back position. Bravo took to the position well and enjoyed playing it, even though it was very different.
“I made it very hard for the other team to get by me,” Bravo said. “I got a couple yellow cards because of it.”
His greatest win here at MCLA came against Worcester State at Worcester, where the team took home a 2-1 victory.
“The team was composed,” said Bravo. “A lot of Alumni showed up and I think we had more fans than Worcester did. It was great to hear them cheering from the sidelines.”
Bravo does not have any plans on playing soccer competitively following college, but intends on playing for fun in summer leagues near his hometown.
“I will never lose the passion for the game,” Bravo said. “I will come back and support the MCLA soccer team.”
Now looking to attend graduate school, Bravo will look to further his education and receive his MBA in marketing, as he wishes to become a marketing manager somewhere following school.
Looking back at his four years here, he wishes to thank his coach for being very supportive of him in soccer. To his teammates, he thanks them for never giving up and he wishes the rookies good luck and to enjoy the next three or four years of their lives.
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