By Byrde Wells and Arabella Saunders, Nighthawk News
Most athletes would consider giving up on a sport after being cut during tryouts. For senior Gabby Midgett, however, it only added more fuel to the fire.
After being cut from the middle school volleyball team, Midgett bounced back to participate in the Nighthawk volleyball program all four years of high school. Recently, she signed with Brevard College, a school outside of Asheville transitioning from Division II to D-III athletics.
“I think it’s kind of funny and part of me wants to go over to the middle school and be like, ‘You cut me, but I made it,’ ” Midgett said. “(Playing in college) is a little nerve-racking, but it feels good because it feels like I’m accomplishing something.”
Midgett was contacted by Brevard after posting her recruitment film on YouTube. Although the transition from high school to college athletics can be daunting, she is looking forward to the new opportunities that will accompany her next step in life.
“(I’m looking forward to) Getting out of here,” Midgett said with a laugh. “And probably just meeting new people and playing with new people.”
Between unsuccessful tryouts and injuries, Midgett’s volleyball career has suffered multiple setbacks; however, she credits her versatility to her ability to overcome these obstacles.
“I think maybe if I had made it in middle school, maybe I would’ve been more solid in one position,” Midgett said. “But I’ve been injured a lot, and if I hadn’t been injured as much, I wouldn’t be as versatile as I am on the court.”
Through hard work and determination, Midgett has polished her skills. Not only is she excited for the opportunity to continue playing volleyball in college, but her coaches are proud of her accomplishments as well.
“It’s an amazing experience,” head coach Amanda Grebiner said. “I’m very proud of her for getting as far as she has and pushing through to do what she wants to do.”
Junior Arabella Saunders can be reached at saundersar0214@daretolearn.org and senior Byrde Wells can be reached at wellsje1210@daretolearn.org.
