East County Athlete of the Week: Gabbie Hotaling

It's sweet, sweet revenge for Lakewood Ranch High girls lacrosse. After falling to Riverview High in last year's FHSAA Class 2A-District 12 championship, the Mustangs won their April 14 rematch, 15-8, to secure the first district title in program history. Senior midfielder Gabbie Hotaling contributed nine points via four goals and five assists. Across the team's three district tournament contests, she tallied 16 goals. Hotaling is the East County Athlete of the Week.

For this team to be district champions, what does that mean to you?

I've been on varsity all four years, and we have never won a district title — this is our first in school history. That just makes it even more special, and I couldn't imagine doing it with a different group of girls. We've worked really hard to get here over the past four years, and we've built the strongest team we've ever had.

To win the title against Riverview, does that make it sweeter?

I definitely think it does. It's been a long time coming, and we've lost to them year after year, so having them as our competition just made it all that much better.

What do you think is possible for this team in the regional tournament?

It's possible to go as far as the team wants and as motivated as we are. Just keep doing what we're doing, practicing, watching film and continuing to prepare like we have been. The sky's the limit.

What were your goals entering this season?

This year, my goal was to win districts, since we haven't done that in the past. And then just to make it further than we have in years past — make it past the first round of regionals.

When and why did you start playing lacrosse?

I first started playing lacrosse in the summer before seventh grade. I had been a gymnast since I was about 3 years old, so following an injury — and after a long transition period — it was just sort of a natural choice for me. I had a couple former gymnastics teammates who switched to lacrosse, so I decided to try it, and just immediately fell in love. 

After all these years, what's motivated you to stick with this sport?

This sport is really cool because what you do outside of practice does have a direct translation to your performance on the field. Hours I've put in — I've been able to make those show in my abilities. Being able to see that progress over the past six years just has been really motivating.

What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

I've watched a lot of Michael Jordan's old videos and his quotes about his mentality while he was on the court, how many mistakes he made and how many shots he missed. (It's about) understanding how many challenges you're going to have to overcome to be successful. That puts it into perspective when you're struggling with setbacks or obstacles.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I love to travel, and I've been to over a dozen countries. (My favorite) is probably a tie between Rome and hiking in Montenegro. Those are my top two. I would love to go to South Africa and go on a safari.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

I would eat pasta, because you can make it into so many different flavors — if I'm allowed to switch the sauces. It's a diverse food and it's a good pregame meal.

Finish this sentence. Gabbie Hotaling is...

Determined.