Thursday, October 1, 2026
A holiday week full of emotions for Ashley Castanio-Gervasi culminated Sunday when she walked on the MetLife Stadium field during halftime of the New York Jets-New England Patriots game for a chance to win the $100,000 “Kick for Cash” promotion grand prize.
One of four finalists who qualified by hitting a 20-yard field goal in the tailgate section at one of the Jets’ first seven home games, the 33-year-old East Rockaway resident and Long Beach High School math teacher and girls’ soccer coach was unsuccessful on her 30-yard try. Her kick was straight enough but not long enough.
"About three yards short," she said. "The ball was like a rock and I kinda sensed right away it wasn't going to have enough distance. Still an amazing experience."
Castanio-Gervasi was the first of the finalists to kick. One of the four hit the 30-yard attempt but missed on a 40-yarder that would've triggered the $100K prize.
Ashley and the other finalists came away with a ton of Jets gear, she said, highlighted by a Garrett Wilson signed helmet.
For four days this week, Castanio-Gervasi was more disappointed than anything else with the idea she wouldn’t be at MetLife for the finale. On Monday she was deemed ineligible for the grand prize due to a clause in the insurance company’s contest policy which prohibits anyone who’s played or coached football, soccer or rugby in the past four years from participating.
Castanio-Gervasi was a standout goalkeeper at Stony Brook University (2015 graduate) and Oceanside High School (2010 grad) but hasn't played soccer in 10 years. She’s coached Long Beach’s girls’ varsity team since 2021.
Then came a reversal from Gang Green on Friday morning, allowing her to have a shot at the green.
"It was a crazy week, but in the end everything worked out," she said.
Born into Jets fandom by her parents, Frank and Lorraine, Ashley’s family has owned Jets season tickets since the 1960s. Frank passed away from esophageal cancer in 2011 and every year since, Ashley, her mother and three sisters — Lauren Almonte, Courtney Mercado and Jaclyn Rothschild — have organized a group trip to a Jets game with proceeds going to the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation. So far, they’ve raised more than $50,000.
"I had over 50 family members here today and my dad was on my mind more than anything," Ashley said. "He'd be so proud."
This year’s fundraiser trip was Oct. 19 and that’s when Ashley nailed the qualifying field goal for the Jets/Hellman’s Mayo Kick for Cash promotion.
“The Jets have always been a big part of my family,” said Castanio-Gervais, who as a kid attended Jets youth football camps and training camps at Hofstra University. “Going to games together and tailgating is family time we cherish.”
