LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — A Lowndes High School student-athlete thought she had months left in her high school basketball career before it was cut short by a knee injury in a game on Jan. 10.

Senior Gabrielle Mays tore her ACL during the Vikings’ game against crosstown rival Valdosta. Mays attempted to change direction and awkwardly twisted her knee, ending her senior season immediately.

“I was devastated about it, obviously,” Mays said. “I tried to hold my emotions together while talking to the doctor, but when I left, I kind of broke down for a second. It was just a sad moment.”

From player to sideline coach

Mays has been on varsity basketball for two years and varsity soccer since her freshman year, all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. The point guard now leads her team from the sidelines.

“This is my family, and I’ve always loved being around them— whether I’m playing or not,” Mays said.

The senior has stepped into a coaching role during games, offering encouragement and tactical advice to her teammates.

“Our coaches actually talk about that a lot. How they can’t physically be the ones out there to play, so now that I’m on the sidelines trying to help the team out, I’m giving them words of encouragement but also telling them where we need to fix errors and do the right things so we continue to win games,” Mays said.

Academic success pays off

Mays’ classroom performance has secured her future beyond high school sports. She will attend Georgia Tech in the fall to pursue a degree in business administration with hopes of working in sports after graduation.

“I went on a campus visit [to Georgia Tech] over the summer, and when I was touring the school, I just loved the environment of it,” Mays said. “I always wanted to be in a big city, not a small town. While the school is in Atlanta, it’s also in its own space. I just loved it.”

The student-athlete credits hard work for her academic success while competing in two sports.

“It takes a lot of work. Having to overload my schedule, taking AP and dual enrollment classes while still having practice,” Mays said. “It’s a lot of work in both. I think I’ve always looked for academic and athletic validation because I want to succeed in everything I do, so I’ve just tried to be the best in everything I’ve done.”

Mays will undergo knee surgery in February. She said she plans to support her soccer team from the sidelines during the spring season as well.

Congratulations to Gabrielle Mays for being recognized as this week’s Valdosta State Scholar Athlete!

If you know an outstanding student-athlete, click here to nominate them.

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