Currently the right side for Circle’s 16 Purple squad that’s already qualified in Open at GJNCs, Gabby is a heavy-hitting, highly athletic attacker that carried her high school squad on offense by the end of the season last fall. Big and physical, Gabby’s volleyball IQ is quite high for her age—-she understands shot-making depending on the defensive situation in front of her, and is a problem for opposing outsides when they attack. From a highly athletic family, Gabby’s ceiling is limitless, and will be a highly sought after recruit in the class of ‘29.

Of the pin hitters on this roster, this Gabby might be the most physical. With a rare combination of youth and power, Miss Gilliard has that innate ability to put weight behind the ball when attacking, making her that much harder to defend. She can also terminate from either pin—-size, explosiveness, pace and heft behind the ball show Gabby’s maturity is far beyond other pin attackers in her class, and she’s still only a freshman.

Big, physical and relentless, Miss Gilliard was, by the end of her first high school season, the go-to offensive weapon for the 4A top ten Trojans. She even sprinkled in a little serve receive training just so that she could put away a few more balls in the back row. Playing up a year on the 15 Open squad at Circle that finished 3rd last summer, she rejoins the same club team, this time at 16s, and will be a major factor for their success this coming spring.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the freshman on the other side of the net in that epic regional matchup. Gabby is a big, tough and relentless outside attacker that jumps well and can do everything at an above-average level. Yes, her 20 kill, 7 dig performance was impressive, but I’m more intrigued with the 26 service receptions without an error in her biggest role yet.

It’s hard to believe that this young lady is a freshman, yet here we are. Big, physical and fearless, Gabby is already seeing a ton of reps on varsity at 4A top ten Center Grove. I got a chance to see her hammer away at Avon, another 4A blue blood program, and the Orioles had no answer for Gabby’s size, strength and energy. She’s a pleasure to watch, and can get stronger as the match wears on, which is scary. The ball she hits is heavy, which makes blocking and digging her highly difficult.