Student-Athlete Spotlight: Gabbie Berry
2/11/2015 9:00:00 AM | Softball
Gabbie Berry is entering her senior season with the Millersville softball team this spring. A native of Norristown, Pa., has started all 146 of the Marauders' games behind the plate since stepping onto campus as a freshman in 2012.
What is your favorite place on campus?
I like walking past the pond when the cherry trees are in bloom, because it looks like a movie.
Who is your favorite professor/class?
My favorite professor is Dr. Aaron Haines, a professor in the biology department. He is a certified wildlife biologist and is helping put me in the right direction of also becoming a wildlife biologist. My favorite class I have had so far is Zoology because it was a crash course in the animal kingdoms, phyla and classes.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose the biology major because I have always wanted to work with animals. Originally I wanted to be a vet, but sophomore year I decided to move towards working with wildlife, which allowed me to stay in biology, but to concentrate in environmental.
Why did you choose Millersville?
Millersville actually chose me. I had no idea where I wanted to go and I got an email from my coach. It all fell into place from there.
What is a day in the life of a student-athlete?
The day is nonstop from start to finish, especially in season. Most of us schedule class in the morning so we don't miss any practice and can get to the field early for our games. When we have practice, it's usually three to four hours, plus one for the trainers. When we have a game, we get to the field or onto the bus around 11 and play until dinner. Whether dinner is on the bus or at home, everyone usually has a few hours of studying/ homework to do after all of that. Then finally some sleep, just to start it all over again the next day.
How has playing sports at Millersville changed you as an individual?
I had a good work ethic coming into college because I played a lot of sports in high school, but college is a whole different ball game. By playing at Millersville, I've come to understand I really love the game, my team and competing. Because if you don't love every aspect of the game like the conditioning, lifting, and practicing, there's no way you're going to make it through all four years.
What has been the most rewarding community service project?
We did a Play with Heart for Hospice play day last year where we raised more than our goal amount and actually got a thank you card from them in return, so I really feel like we helped that organization.
What is your favorite sports team?
The Philadelphia Flyers is my favorite sports team because I love watching hockey.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Ronda Rousey is by far my favorite athlete. She has the most amazing work ethic for any professional athlete in any sport, she has beaten every opponent that she's faced and she has changed the face of UFC by practically single-handedly getting women fighters in there. She doesn't take any crap from anyone and changes for no one.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory actually involves Brianna Androas and Jordan Sheffield. At National's, we got in a car accident and went on to win while everyone knew our team as the ones who got in the accident. (I wasn't in the actual car, and it wasn't their fault).
Who do you most admire?
Most of the people I admire and aspire to be are embarrassingly enough strong fictional female characters, because I set my bar high in life.
What is the greatest risk you've ever taken?
I decided to try diving my junior year of high school. I wasn't that good, but the experience of having a silent room with everyone's eyes on you in a bathing suit was a big step for someone as shy as I am since I still make my roommates order the pizza on the phone for me.
Where will you be in 10 years?
If all goes as planned, I will have already traveled and worked at numerous locations, and will have picked an animal or habitat that I would like to specialize in. I will have settled there with a family. One can dream.
What is the most significant challenge you've overcome?
I almost quit the softball team sophomore year.
Best piece of advice you've received?
The best piece of advice I've received probably came from my dad. You can't take anything with you, so work hard, be generous, and have fun while you can.
What is your favorite place you've visited/vacationed?
I really loved hiking at the Grand Canyon in Arizona because it's just so different their compared to the east coast and I'd really like to go back.
The one thing you cannot live without?
I have to say my dog. College is a real struggle when I actually have to pick food up off the floor.
What hobby or ability might we not know you have?
I'm actually a pretty decent artist.
What is at the top of your "bucket list?"
Traveling is at the top of my bucket list, because I want to see everything.
What is your favorite TV show?
At this moment, it's Two Broke Girls
What is your favorite movie?
Kill Bill Vol. 1
Who is your favorite band/artist and have you seen them live?
Mumford and sons and no, I haven't seen them live yet.
What is your favorite meal?
I love the make it yourself burritos in the Upper Deck. I literally get them every single time they are served.
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