Nine Questions with Olivia Gibson
3/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 4, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Rolltide.com and the Alabama softball team present its fifth athlete for nine questions. Select players and coaches will check in weekly on Rolltide.com and answer questions pertaining to things on and off the field. The fifth edition features freshman catcher Olivia Gibson.
Rolltide.com: What was it like to put on the Alabama uniform for the first time and play for the No. 1 team in the nation?
Gibson: It was such a blessing. To look around and see my teammates in their uniforms with Alabama written across them and realize that I am able to be a part of this family blows my mind, it was unreal almost.
Rolltide.com: How much of a fan of Alabama softball were you growing up and is it a dream come true to play for the Tide?
Gibson: I have been a huge fan since I was in the 6th grade. That was the year I experienced my first camp on the Alabama softball field and that is when my dream came about. I wanted nothing more than to play for those coaches that I had fallen in love with over the years. I am blessed and humbled to be a part of such a great team.
Rolltide.com: Being a freshman, what is it like to be able to learn from the likes of all the All-Americans on the team?
Gibson: I love being able to work alongside and learn from the best because it challenges me at the highest level, but what is even better is getting to know who they are personally and realizing not only are they gifted in softball but they are some of the most amazing people I have ever been around.
Rolltide.com: Your primary position is behind the plate ... what is it like to learn from the best defensive catcher in the country in Ashley Holcombe?
Gibson: Ashley is such a talented catcher and her excitement and fire behind the plate is contagious. She has been such an encouragement to me from day one. She has been so patient while teaching me and helping me understand what she does. She is a leader that I am grateful I get to follow.
Rolltide.com: Do you have a favorite professional baseball team and why?
Gibson: I don't really have a favorite team, but my favorite professional baseball player is Andy Phillips who played college baseball at Alabama. He was my hero as a young girl going to the games because of how talented he was, but now I look up to him because of the way he stands firm in his faith. He has used baseball as his platform to tell others about Christ and that encourages me as a Christian athlete.
Rolltide.com: If you could play another sport in college what would it be?
Gibson: I would play basketball in a heartbeat. I absolutely love playing the game.
Rolltide.com: What is your favorite pregame meal?
Gibson: My favorite pregame meal is a Newks Q with baked lays and a sprite. Rolltide.com: When did you start playing the game of softball?
Gibson: I started playing slow pitch for my church very young and got into fast pitch at about ten years old.
Rolltide.com: Why did you choose to go to the University of Alabama?
Gibson: Growing up here, it has been a lifelong dream. I am reminded that was the best decision I could ever make everyday I get to spend time with my incredible teammates and coaches.
