For years, La Salle-Peru senior Kaitlyn Gibson has pursued an opportunity to play Division I softball.
That goal became an accomplishment Wednesday as she signed her National Letter of Intent with Ball State University.
“It is a true honor,” Gibson said about the chance to play Division I. “The honor of being recognized by the top level of softball is a dream come true. DI is big time. It’s a grind. Signing with a DI school is the biggest accomplishment in my life so far. I can’t get any higher than DI and I can finally say I am proud of myself and where I have come to get here. But I am not done working.”
Gibson chose Ball State, which is located in Muncie, Ind., over Eastern Illinois, North Florida, Northern Kentucky, St. Joseph’s and Southeast Missouri State.
“I chose Ball State because of its feeling of a home environment,” Gibson said. “It was a place that made me feel I could make a second home. The great people I met made me feel I would be safe and cared for there like a family member. It has great people, its softball program is outstanding and it felt like a potential home away from home.”
Gibson joins a Cardinals program that has recorded four consecutive winning seasons.
“I want to bring my passion and dedication to Ball State,” Gibson said. “Not only do I have dedication on the field, but off the field. I want to achieve my goal of being a lawyer just as much as softball success. I want them to know I will always have their backs and I’ll never go down without a fight. I want to bring the passion I have for this game into Ball State because it’s truly so great. The love I have for this game is unreal. I also just want to bring success to Ball State in any way I can. I just want to be part of something great and I know I am.”
Gibson is a two-time NewsTribune First-Team All-Area player and was voted Illinois Coaches Association Class 3A Second-Team All State as a sophomore when she hit .514 with 60 RBIs, 29 runs, 11 steals, 10 doubles and seven home runs.
“I hope other girls use her as an example as far as hard work, dedication and what you need to put into it if (playing Division I) is a dream you have,” La Salle-Peru coach Randy Huebbe said. “If you have a dream to go to a place like that, it just doesn’t happen without work. She works hard. You can’t take that away from her.”
Gibson credited her family for helping her achieve her dream of signing with a Division I school.
“I appreciate everyone who always believed in me,” Gibson said. “It’s hard to be successful in a small town. To the ones who noticed my success, thank you. My family has been with me through thick and think. My mom (Nicci) has been my rock since day one. My dad, Randy, has been my coach and dad at the same time and does the best at both. My sister (Taylor) has never failed to be there for me and tell me how it is.
“I would not be here today without my entire family and supporters I have.”