Volleyball Player of the Year

Gabby Curry, Buford

Achievements: Back-to-back recipient of Gatorade Georgia Volleyball Player of the Year. Two-time volleyball state champion. Graduated with a 4.0 GPA.

Position: Libero

Height: 5-9

Class: Senior

College choice: University of Kentucky

Why Kentucky: I had offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Florida and Missouri, but I chose the University of Kentucky because I felt like it was the best fit personally, academically and athletically. The culture of the coaches and team were exactly what I looking for, and the academic support seemed to be unlike any other I had seen. I can say that now that I've been up in Lexington for a semester, I 100-percent chose the perfect school for me.

Best high school moment: It would probably either being named an Under Armour All-American, winning state twice or being the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year twice. Of course, signing to the University of Kentucky tops it all, though.

Why volleyball: Well, I actually was a huge softball player for most of my life. I played for over eight years until I was in fifth grade, when I felt myself getting burned out. I had been invited by a friend to a volleyball match at my high school, but I remember not wanting to go because I thought it was a girly sport. The moment I walked out of the gym, I looked at my dad and asked if I could start playing volleyball. Ha ha. So from sixth grade on, the intensity and mental toughness of the game has had me on a string.

What you would like to be doing in 10 years: Well, I don't really know what I want to do, as far as a career, for the rest of my life, but I know I want to have a family. So maybe I could see myself coaching or managing a hospital or company, but I have no clue.

Favorite high school course: At Buford High School, it would probably be math. But overall, my favorite course I took was American Government when I dual-enrolled at the University of North Georgia in the fall of 2016.

People who helped along the way: Without a doubt, my family has been more supportive than I could've ever asked them to be. They didn't flinch when I asked if I could graduate high school early and move out six months early because they trusted me and my decisions. They were at every sporting event they could possibly be at, but more important, they were all there when I needed them the most. More specifically, my mom and dad have been the most influential people in my life. The amount of wisdom they've poured into me has definitely shaped my decisions all throughout high school and college.

Toughest high school opponent: I guess I could say Walton because they're a great program year after year.

Favorite movie: "Forrest Gump"

Favorite song: "Somebody Else" by The 1975.

Worst high school moment: I don't really have anything embarrassing, but the worst moment would have to be my first day of freshman year. I got out of the car, nervous as can be, and left my lunch box. So, yes, I starved on my first day of high school.

If you could be any other athlete on earth: Probably Tim Tebow because of his success in his sport, but more importantly, because of his reputation around the nation.

Money or happiness: I actually think those two go hand-in-hand, but definitely happiness over everything. That's because when I die, I'm not going to remember all the cool cars or houses I had; I'll only remember the people that mean the most to me.

Best word to describe yourself: On the court, I would say competitive. In a regular every-day setting, I think chill is something I've heard a lot.

View of the world at this moment: If I'm going to be honest, I believe that I live in the greatest country on this earth, and once everyone in it realizes that, too, I think a lot of problems can be solved.

What you would put in a time capsule: I would first put my two golden retriever puppies. Then I would put a single picture of every one of my family members and close friends in a photo album. Lastly, I would put my journal in there to give whoever finds it a glimpse of my thoughts.