Gabriella McVey

Sierra Romero

“Don’t give up... don’t ever give up” - Jimmy V (Jim Valvano)

Basketball, Lifting, going on runs with my dog, and hanging out with my best friends

The University of Michigan

Michigan has always been my dream school since before I can remember. When I was little I was watching the Michigan softball team play in the Women’s College World Series and told my parents “I want to play for the blue team“. Going through recruiting process and getting to experience how great the U of M is first hand, there was never a doubt that that was where I wanted to be. The coaches, and environment they have created, is something very special and I am very grateful to get the opportunity to be a part of it. Not only does it provide great athletic opportunities but also exceptional academic opportunities as well. GO BLUE!!

Derek Jeter. Jeter was not only a great player but also a great leader. His consistency on and off the field is what made him great and what I aim to model my game after. He was someone his team could always count on to get the job done and work hard, also who doesn’t love a good Jeter throw from the 5/6 hole??

Mom- played softball at Northwest Missouri State (go bearcats) Grandpa Henry Quijano- played men’s fastpitch and traveled the world doing so (inducted into the Iowa Men’s Fastpitch Hall of Fame) Brianna Rodriguez (1st cousin and longtime teammate)- Plays softball at Brown University Maddie Allen (1st cousin)- Plays basketball at St. Ambrose University

I want to work hard, be a great teammate/ role model, and continue to elevate the game of softball so that the little girls watching college softball today will be able to have the same amazing opportunities, hopefully on an even greater level, tomorrow.

I was a 4 year varsity member of my high schools basketball team. I was a 3 year starter and captain and even got to play alongside Caitlin Clark (University of Iowa, 2x Gold Medalist, and Women’s College Basketball Co- Freshman of the Year). We won out conference 2/4 years and made state tournament appearances in 3/4 years.