View All News

There’s nothing like kicking off your senior year with scoring your 1000th point as a Lady Eagle. Hannah Glisson made that dream a reality on Tuesday night during their first regular season game on the road at Livingston Central. One of the phrases she took to heart resonated with her.

“There have been many phases throughout my career that have shaped the way I play. One of those is ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’ by Wayne Gretzky,” explained Glisson.

The game of basketball started with Glisson at an early age…so early that she really can’t pinpoint a time when basketball was not a part of her life. Her earliest memories come from her driveway battles with her father. It seems as though her family serves as a large part of her inspiration.

“My biggest inspiration is God. I know I am only playing this game because he gave me the ability to and I only pray I play to the best of that ability every day. My family also plays a huge role. Every time I step on the court, I just want to make my parents proud.”

While her family is always in her corner, the relationship she has with her teammates and coaches proves to be a bond that she holds near as well.

“This team means more to me than what I can put into words. I have grown up with most of these girls and I can’t imagine not playing with them. The biggest goal I have is for the team…and that is to win the region.”

At a moment where Glisson is experiencing a high, those moments that proved if you have the determination and grit to continue on have not left her. During her career, the team has faced much adversity with injuries and career ups and downs. However, each of those mountains proves to have shaped Glisson into the player she is today. Well, that and a few coaches who have invested in her along the way.

“Coach Dunning has had the biggest impact on my career. He has had more trust and confidence in me that I have in myself. He challenges me to continue to grow my skill level and he never gives up on me. I also need to give a shout out to Coach Branson Fisher. He was my first ever high school coach and I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without him. Even my soccer coach, Chile, he always said, ‘If you don’t have the skill, you better have the will’, and that has always stuck with me.”

Glisson finds herself in her final season as a Lady Eagle…a time that she is excited for, but most definitely is not looking forward to that final time on the hardwood.

“Going into this season, I know it’s my last as a Lady Eagle and I don’t think anything will ever prepare me for that day to come. There are a million memories I will take with me. Scoring my first varsity points, the bus rides, the singing…I will never forget those moments. And last, but not least…scoring my 1000th point will always be an all time high for me.”

As for the future, Glisson says that she does plan on furthering her basketball career and playing at the collegiate level as she studies exercise science, but until then…..

“All I can do is play every game as if it is my last.”

Congratulations, Hannah!

“I fell in love with the sport because of how unique it is.  It’s cool to know that I have the ability to play a sport that isn’t popular.”

That ability secured Ms. Abigail Hamilton’s future with a bowling scholarship at Spring Arbor University in Michigan.  A private university, Hamilton will begin her collegiate career in the fall of 2025.

As a child, Hamilton immediately took interest in the sport and was on the lanes as early as age 5.  By the time she was 7 years old, Hamilton began bowling at a competitive level, and realized that as much as she loved the game…the family she gained was the icing on the cake.   

“From a young age, I was seeing improvement season by season and the bowling community is so tight knit. More than just bowling, I mostly fell in love with the people it allowed me to be around.  It’s like having a second family.”

Speaking of family, Hamilton accredits her love and talent for the game to her father who also serves as her role model. While they bonded over knocking down the pins, she insists that his example has laid the foundation for her in so many other facets of life beyond bowling. 

“My father is the one who taught me to bowl, and he’s been by my side ever since…and not just in bowling.  He’s the backbone of my family and the entire bowling community, and I’m grateful for everything he has done.”

As bowling season is in full swing, Hamilton finds herself practicing about 4 times a week.  A senior, she has hefty goals in sight for her final year.  

“My personal goal is to win regionals for the 4th time, and help bring my team to their 3rd state title.”

Not only does Hamilton have goals set for her bowling season, but she also has tall mountains to climb in terms of her career and educational goals.

“I will be studying nursing, and eventually working toward a master’s degree to become a Pediatric Nurse practitioner.”

With her senior year almost to the halfway point, Hamilton, just as any other athlete, confirms that hard work and dedication are at the root of her blossoming career. She  insists that like with any sport, you have to capitalize on the moments that make you better.

“Take every opportunity to compete and get better. There’s always room to improve no matter what level you compete at.  Always look to God for strength and never give up or let a bad practice, game, or tournament get to you. One bad day does not define you.”

Congratulations, Abigail Hamilton!  We are proud of you!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

 

“It’s hard to tell when I first fell in love with soccer because soccer has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.”

Earlier this month, the Lady Eagles Soccer Team marked the end of their season with their annual banquet.  It was during that ceremony that they learned their coach, Gerardo Herrera, better known as Chili, had celebrated his 100th win.  A victory he quietly and privately celebrated when his 9th season as head coach began. 

Coaching any sport is no easy task, but no matter what ball is being chased, thrown, or dibbled…I think we can all agree that the goals set go well beyond the wins and the losses.  It’s always about their player, and what the game instills in them as people.  

“Like any other team sport, soccer helps individuals build character and relationships. It also teaches athletes the importance of life skills and positive core values such as respect, humility, resilience, enjoyment, leadership, integrity, hard work, and mindset. It’s learning how to overcome the losses and setbacks as a team,” explains Herrera.

Herrera, who just concluded his 9th season, also serves as the club director for Pumas Futbol Club.  While soccer is no doubt a passion he shares with his players, it also serves as an avenue to continue their education and ensure a successful future.

“I strive to continue helping the Graves County High School girls play at the highest competitive level possible.  Soccer scholarships lead to continuing their education while playing at the collegiate level.  I want to instill in my players that they should never settle for good when they can be great.”

During his time as GCHS coach, Herrera has made lasting friendships with the athletes and their families.  The memories and accomplishments are moments he undoubtedly says solidify that he is indeed right where he should be.

“After six graduating classes, we have helped 60 soccer players succeed at the collegiate level and many have signed professional contracts.  Even some of my former coaches have progressed to coaching at the collegiate and professional levels.  My high school girls have broken team and individual records with so many earning Regional Player of the Year titles.  And, I will never forget winning the first Region 1 title in the school’s history.”

Herrera, a midfielder in high school, has made his mark on the soccer field as a player and a coach.  However, his inspiration behind the life he has on the field is only possible because of his family.  

“My inspiration comes from my life…my wife, my kids, my mom and dad.”

Congratulations, Coach!  We are looking forward to many more wins!