The Women’s Game is an exclusive editorial series written by writer, broadcaster, and former college and pro soccer player Renee Washington for BrooklynFootballClub.com. Each week, Renee goes behind the scenes with Brooklyn FC Women, giving unique insights into the squad and sharing stories of the people behind the crest.
Jessica “Jess” Garziano has been part of Brooklyn FC Women’s story since the beginning.
In the team’s inaugural season, the Long Island native delivered two moments that will forever be part of club lore.
On September 8, 2024, Garziano scored Brooklyn FC’s first-ever goal, converting a late penalty kick against Spokane Zephyr FC to secure a 1–1 draw in the club’s inaugural match.
Two weeks later, in Brooklyn’s first home match, Garziano struck the match-winner in a 2-0 victory over Dallas Trinity FC, the club’s first win in front of its own fans.
“It was the coolest feeling ever,” Garziano recalls. “Especially to score the first goal ever for Brooklyn home and away. A dream come true for me to do it in front of all my family and friends. I felt on top of the world.”
Her performances in those early matches earned her USL Super League Player of the Month honors for September 2024, along with recognition on the league’s Team of the Month and Goal of the Month.
It was the start of a stellar inaugural campaign as Garziano went on to lead BKFC with six goals in 28 appearances during the 2024–25 season. The following year, she expanded her contributions as a creator, recording five assists in 27 matches.
But beyond the statistics and historic firsts, there was something especially meaningful about reaching those milestones so close to home.
New York Roots
Garziano grew up in Melville, New York, a commuter community on Long Island under an hour from Coney Island, home of BKFC’s Maimonides Park. She played youth soccer and starred for SUSA Academy in the ECNL.
When it came time for college, she stayed close to home, playing for St. John’s University. Across four seasons for the Red Storm, she established herself as one of the program’s legends, scoring 22 goals in 90 appearances and becoming just the fourth player in SJU history to earn All-American honors. She finished her collegiate career with 10 goals and 11 assists and was named Big East Midfielder of the Year in her final season.
While in college, she played two years with USL W League side Long Island Rough Riders, leading the historic club both seasons.
In 2024, she was drafted by NWSL club Angel City FC and signed with Brooklyn FC in June 2024 ahead of the Gainbridge Super League’s inaugural season.
It’s been a professional pathway that has allowed Garziano to maintain a close connection to the people and places that helped shape her career. Former coaches, teammates, and friends often attend games at Maimonides Park, and her family is a constant presence in the stands.
“Growing up on Long Island, it means so much to have the opportunity to continue playing in an area that has played such a big role in my journey,” she says. “It’s really special to be able to share these moments with the people who have supported me from the very beginning.”
On Loss and Perspective
Family has been one of the most important influences throughout Garziano’s life, extending well beyond the support she receives on matchdays.
Her connection to loved ones has shaped her perspective not only through positive affirmations, but also through difficult experiences. She lost her grandfather to Alzheimer’s several years ago.
“It was incredibly difficult to watch someone I love gradually deteriorate and eventually reach a point where he no longer recognized me,” she says.
The experience inspired Garziano to study Alzheimer’s extensively during college. With a family history of the disease on both sides, she has developed a personal interest in understanding its effects and the importance of keeping her mind active.
Cancer has also affected several members of her family, reinforcing the importance of having people to lean on during life’s most difficult moments.
“Through all of these experiences, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of family and having a strong support system,” Garziano says.
That appreciation affects how she spends her time away from soccer. An ideal day includes being outdoors, enjoying the beach or pool, and returning home for backyard hibachi dinners and movie nights with family and friends.
These everyday moments offer another reminder of why she has so often chosen to stay close to home in her career.
“I’m so thankful,” she says, “to have that connection to home while pursuing my dream of playing professionally.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Garziano is an avid Pilates enthusiast who takes classes at least twice a week. Her roommate and Brooklyn FC teammate Jilly Shimkin is a Pilates instructor, and Garziano enjoys attending her classes. She is also working toward becoming a mat Pilates instructor.
UP NEXT
Undefeated in five matches, the Brooklyn FC Women continue their push for a playoff spot on Wednesday, November 11, on the road at DC Power FC. The match kicks off at 7:00 PM and streams live on Peacock.
The next home match is the regular season finale on Saturday, November 28, when BKFC host Lexington SC on Fan Appreciation Night. The match kicks off at 6:00 PM.
