Jodicee Arianna is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Campo Verde High School for AZpreps365.com.

 

Senior running back and defensive back Rhiana Gurnani is a force on the field.

According to Max Preps, she averages 28.2 rushing yards per game, 3.5 tackles per game, and leads the team with 11 rushing touchdowns.

She'll get to add to those stats on Saturday when Campo Verde faces Mesquite High School at AZ College Prep at 2 p.m. in a semifinal game.

The Minnesota native has always been involved in athletics. From three years old, she played soccer, gymnastics and many other sports. Her drive and excitement for sports keep her involved in different activities. She is a two-sport athlete at Campo Verde High School.

“Passion is something you love doing,” said Gurnani. “It’s not a chore, but it’s something that you want to get better at.”

She first began her flag football career at age 12 and was the only girl that participated in a football camp in Minnesota.

“I was the only girl, and I felt a little uncomfortable,” said Gurnani. “It was only maybe two or three weeks, that’s it.”

She played on the club football team, and later joined the Campo Verde team in her junior year when flag football became a sport in Arizona.

As one of the members of the defending 5A state champions, the pressure is at an all-time high this season, but she’s built for it.

“Our team is a lot different but the same compared to last year,” Gurnani said. “We are a lot closer and build each other up.”

Gurnani is a team captain. 

“She is our vocal leader right now on defense,” said Campo Verde head coach Brian Coger. “She’s one of our positive ones.”

This season, she was introduced to a change. Last season, she played cornerback. This season, she’s added running back. It’s one she’s embraced.

“I do think since I am a little smaller and a little more shifty, (so) I am a little better suited as a running back,” said Gurnani, “and I absolutely love it.”

The change has been a positive one since she leads the team in many different areas. Her senior season has brought many changes to the team.

“We have such amazing players this year it’s kind of brand new in a sense,” said Gurnani.

As a student-athlete, she has a lot on her plate, as many do. School, practice, games, and film work can consume most of her time, but she balances it out to still have fun.

Still, she’s all business on the field. Her tenacity to never give up during games - whether Campo Verde is winning or losing -  helps build her team up, which is important as the team continues on and  could possibly win another title.

She’ll do that and worry what she’ll do after the season.

“I would love to do it, but it depends on where new doors open in the future,” said Gurnani, of playing beyond high school. “I would love to keep playing, but it depends on where I go to school. If my college doesn’t have flag football, I will be doing something with a club or possibly coaching kids.”