Posted Jun 07, 2023 1:43pm
by Mike Haines [email protected]
Gabreille Gober is not one to avoid anything.
Rather, Gober likes to take things head-on, similar to getting in the way of a field hockey ball while trying to protect her team’s goal.
That made her a great goalkeeper.
“I’m not one to duck,” Gober said when asked why she likes the position.
But she admits she initially put off her decision to go to college. In September of her senior year, Gober threw himself headlong into the recruiting process. She looked at a few different colleges, but her trip to Fairfield, Connecticut sealed her decision to attend Division 1 Fairfield University and pursue her field hockey career.
“I got to the game a little late,” Gober said. “But when I first went there, I fell in love with the area. It’s such a small town and that’s exactly what I was looking for. I’m not a big school guy. I grew up here, small, in the middle of nowhere. It’s an absolutely beautiful campus and the atmosphere is amazing.”
Gober began her field hockey career in youth leagues, but for the first two years her teams had no goaltenders. When she got into middle school, she put on the blocks and found her home.
She was the starter for Northwestern Lehigh’s varsity team for the past two seasons and helped them win a district title last fall after failing to win a district playoff game in 2021.
“Winning a district championship this year was great,” Gober said. “From my freshman and sophomore years, we had a huge class of seniors – they were great leaders. When they left after my sophomore year, we reached a valley rather than a peak. It was incredible to get back to the top of this mountain.”
It wasn’t until just before her senior season began that Gober began looking for a collegiate team. During her senior season, she made contact with her future team.
“I was at a field hockey tournament in November and they needed a goaltender and they found me there,” she said. “Before, I didn’t even know Fairfield existed. It just happened and I’m really, really happy.”
The completion of her study plans was a great relief.
“It felt like an elephant kicked off my chest,” Gober said. “I don’t have to be scared of what’s going to happen next year. I have firmness in my decision. I go there. I’m very excited. It takes so much to be ready for the next step.”
Northwestern head coach Lissa Opolsky said Gober is prepared for that next step.
“Gabby was a solid player at the net and aggressive in one-on-one situations,” Opolsky said. “With her communication and her presence on the ground, she was able to organize and control the game.
“Gabby will bring enthusiasm and positivity to her new team. She will learn a new play style and work to get stronger and faster to compete at the next level.”
Gober plans to major in biology.
Northwestern’s Gabrielle Gober signs on to play field hockey at Division 1 Fairfield University. Her mother, Michelle, accompanied her to the signing. NANCY SCHOLZ/SPECIAL FOR THE TIMES NEWS
