Two Lady Lions Celebrated at Signing Day
By Samantha DePriest
On Thursday, November 9th two of our TCS female student athletes signed to play their favorite sports in college in the fall of 2024. High school senior Gabbie Grooms signed to play Women’s Basketball at Georgia Tech, Division I, and senior Celene McLean committed to play Women’s Volleyball at Virginia State University, Division II.
Surrounded by family, friends, teammates, and coaches both Gabbie and Celene were lifted up in prayer, spoken over with words of encouragement, and praised for their humility, hard work, and commitment to their sports. They truly represent what it means to be a Trinity Lion with their love of the Lord and commitment to excellence both on and off the court. We wish them all the best and look forward to cheering them on in their future endeavors.
TCS Athletic Director Lance Duncan shares, “Student athletes that get the opportunity to compete at the next level are a select few and this should be celebrated.” He goes on to say, “We love getting to celebrate with our athletes whether in person at signings, on social media or just word of mouth. What a honor to get to represent TCS at the next level in their sport.”
Gabbie Grooms
What age did you start playing basketball?
I’ve been around basketball my whole life because my mom constantly ran camps and clinics, but I didn’t start really playing until my 5th-grade summer going into middle school.
What other sports/extracurriculars did you play growing up?
I did dance all throughout elementary school, with cheer as well. I was the captain of my little cheer team, I even used to make up my own cheers for us. When people would ask me if I was going to play basketball my answer was always, “Ew no, I’m a cheerleader haha!”
How have your coaches/teachers/mentors helped you get to where you are today?
Nothing has come to me easily, I never experienced special treatment or got things handed to me. My coaches made sure of it, they constantly pushed me constantly made me go through hard so that I could grow and become stronger. My mom has been my most consistent trainer and coach, and she truly has prepared me probably over prepared me because I’m not sure there's a coach that can be harder on me than she has been, but I am so blessed because I wouldn’t be here without her.
In your own words, what is the most important part of being a part of a team?
The most important part of a team is uplifting each other, basketball is mentally draining at times. Dealing with self-doubt or different anxieties and mental struggles, so having a team that will uplift you and help you through these things is crucial. Having a positive team helps the game be more enjoyable and leads to success, that’s why I am so thankful that I am at Trinity because I love the energy of our team.
If you could give student-athletes some advice, what would it be?
My advice would be don’t let doubt and fear stop you. We all have it, and it can feel overwhelming. Trust in God and trust in your game and the work that you put in, we can only play the games we love for so long, enjoy it, and strive to be your best in it. Failure is normal!! Everyone fails, but not everyone gets up, be the one who gets up! Play because you love playing and play to honor God who gives us these abilities and gifts.
Any special shout outs for who you would like to thank for helping you along this journey.
I’d love to thank Brandon Clay, he is over my AAU organization. He is also my mentor he took me under his wing and helped me so much with my game, with my recruiting, and so much more. He is a big part of why I am going to GT, and why I have grown into the player and leader I am today. I'm so thankful for God bringing him into my life it was truly a blessing.
Celene McLean
What age did you start playing volleyball?
I started playing when I was 12 years old.
What other sports/extracurriculars did you play growing up?
I ran track, played tennis, competitive
cheerleading, soccer, basketball, and ballet.
How have your coaches/teachers/mentors helped you get to where you are today?
I've had many coaches that didn't think I'd get to where I am today, but honestly I only really needed my parents.
In your own words, what is the most important part of being a part of a team?
The most important part to me is to have that family feeling, to feel like I can go through thick and thin with them.
If you could give student athletes some advice, what would it be?
To keep going even when you feel like you are about to give up, and know that the Lord directs your path and no one else.
Is there is anyone you would like to thank for helping you along this journey?
I would like to thank God. My family, most of all my parents and siblings, and my best friend who I'm attending college with to play volleyball.