When Rachel Gibson made her list of things she wanted in a college softball program, the Heritage High School senior pitcher, of course, wanted to win. After all, she just finished leading the Generals to a third consecutive GHSA Class AAAA championship.
However, the top priority on that list was “family.” Family, as in finding a program that could replicate the chemistry and bond Gibson has lived and played with at Heritage. One visit to Clemson University was enough for her to check off that item and secure her athletic and academic futures.
The two-time Class AAAA pitcher of the year – with a third honor anticipated – made it official Wednesday during a ceremony at her high school’s theater, signing a national letter of intent alongside teammates Bailey Davis (East Georgia State College) and Bailey Christol (University of West Georgia).
Staff file photo by Robin Rudd/ Heritage softball standout Bailey Christol has signed with the University of West Georgia.It was the perfect signing setting for Gibson, who found Clemson, not far over the border in South Carolina from northeast Georgia, a perfect setting in its own right.
“The moment I stepped on campus it felt like home,” Gibson said of the Atlantic Coast Conference program for which spring 2021 will mark just its second season. “I loved what the coaches plan to do with the program. Part of that plan is to keep a family team environment. They want to bring the best athletes in and work hard and keep everything about family. That culture is what sold me.