As a senior first and third baseman for the Pond Creek – Hunter Panthers, Ella Gibson said she is trying hard to be someone the younger players could emulate. “Being a senior is something I have looked forward to for a while,”  Gibson said. “I am proud that the younger kids look up to me and hope I am what they are looking for in a leader. I try to encourage everyone and never let them get down on themselves. I constantly am talking to the younger players and make sure they feel confident and included in everything we do.”

Gibson said the season is going well so far, and with every game she and her teammates are finding strengths and making fewer mistakes. “From where we started at the beginning of the year we have come together as a team and grown to love each other” she said. My main goal I have for myself is to hit one over during fast-pitch season, seeing as I did during slow-pitch. One team goal I have is to make a triple play.”

And while those athletic goals are in the front of her mind, she said she still returns to leading by example as being the most important thing she can do. “Having character to me means being kind, encouraging, and staying positive whether we are winning or losing,” she said. “When displaying character I believe body language is everything and cheering on your teammates is probably the most important part of this sport. Winning isn’t everything. A successful team puts in hard work and has determination and works together for a common goal. Showing character is taking the position you are put in and playing it to the best of your ability even if you wouldn’t necessarily want to be there. You do what is best for the team because it is we above me.”

After high school, Gibson said she wants to attend junior college and get a degree in business, then attend OU and get a degree in law.