There’s no doubt about it: Melissa Gorga is a sports mom.
Since joining Bravo-verse in 2011, The Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member has proven to be her kids’ biggest supporter — especially when it came to their athletic pursuits. She’s applauded her daughter Antonia’s cheerleading victories and provided multiple looks at her sons’ football games and wrestling matches.
Melissa's son Joey Jr. plays his first high school lacrosse game
Melissa shared another proud momma moment earlier this week when she celebrated an exciting first for her youngest child, Joey Jr.
“1st freshman lacrosse game,” she captioned an Instagram Story of her boy on the field. “There he goes #25.”
Melissa didn't share any more details about Joey Jr.'s big game, including his position and the final score.
Melissa applauds Joey Jr.'s "amazing" football season
Melissa and her husband, Joe Gorga, discussed their kids’ sports activities in the September 5, 2024 episode of On Display, a popular podcast series hosted by the Jersey mom. The parents said this academic year marked a big change for their family, as Joey Jr. joined their oldest son, Gino, in high school.
Melissa said both of her boys were on the football team but were “having two totally different experiences.” The Jersey native said Joey Jr. was having “an amazing” freshman season while Gino wasn’t getting as much playtime.
“And it’s not because one’s better than the other. It’s truly not,” she said. “It’s because of the lineup and how it goes and who played here in eighth grade and who didn’t.”
Melissa sheds light on Gino and Joey Jr.'s experience in prep sports
Melissa explained that her family relocated to Franklin Lakes when Gino was a freshman, meaning the local coaches weren’t too familiar with his football skills. Joey Jr., on the other hand, was in sixth grade around the time of the move, which gave him more opportunities to prove himself before entering high school.
“Joey played football in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade in town (Franklin Lakes), so coaches had their eye on him,” she explained. “Gino was moved here during his freshman year, so the coaches didn’t get to see him play in junior high… We just feel like [Gino] isn’t getting as much playtime or as much of a fair shot as Joey.”
Joe suspected his sons’ coaches were too focused on “seniority” when deciding which players get the most time on the field.
“I just don’t go for that,” he said. “I go by, like, ‘Listen, the best man plays and everybody should try out and go. No one starts until you go through camp and you grind it out and the best play.’”
Melissa shared Joey Jr.'s lacrosse update as she prepared to ring in her birthday (March 21). Find out what her hubby, Joe, has planned for her special day.
