Student Athlete of the Week- Ariana Gabriel

BY HEIDI ZENEFSKI
Sports Correspondent

Ariana Gabriel started playing basketball when she was in the fourth grade and has developed a tight bond with her teammates. “It was really nice because the group of us that started playing together in fourth grade have continued to play together all the way up through high school,” said the Mountain View senior. Gabriel is the Independent’s Athlete of the Week.

“I like the thrill of the game and the closeness of our team and how well we work together,” she said.

Gabriel feels pretty good about the Lady Eagles’ season so far. “We are learning our strengths and weaknesses and are working hard to improve every day.”

Softball is also a big part of her life. She is the catcher for the Lady Eagles softball team. “I started playing softball when I was seven and had always been a utility player and played different infield positions. I started catching when I was in 10th grade and love it. I played soccer up until I started 11th grade; but I decided that I wanted to focus more on softball and basketball because they were the sports I truly loved.”

Outside of sports, science is a main interest to Gabriel. “I also have been involved in Science Olympiad and Envirothon through school. I really enjoy all fields of science.”

She will take her love of science into her career choice after graduation. She plans to pursue a degree in nursing.

Gabriel loves being able to get away with her family and spending time outdoors with them. “I love camping with my family in Sylvan Beach, N.Y.m on Lake Oneida. I enjoy tubing, knee boarding and riding on the jet skis.”

She lives in Brooklyn Township and is the daughter of Jason and Jessica Gabriel and Jennifer Gabriel of West Nicholson.