by Rusty Ellis
Jackson County senior Gracie Wilson took the next step in her athletic and academic journey on Tuesday, as she signed her NLI to play volleyball at Bethel University upon graduation.
Wilson’s excitement on Tuesday was matched by her appreciation for Bethel granting her this opportunity.
“It’s pretty rewarding, it’s something I’ve been working towards during my entire high school career,” Wilson said. “I honestly didn’t think it was going to happen for the longest time, but I’m really glad that Bethel came through and offered me.”
Wilson says that Bethel made the most sense for her due to having some familiar faces around the school and feeling like the overall atmosphere was one she felt she could thrive in.
“Several of my closest friends are going there, and I saw that I would have a good opportunity to be successful there,” Wilson said. “It’s a smaller college, and I’m hoping to have the chance to start there.”
Wilson considers herself to be a high energy player, and in her eyes, she sees the chance to play with other players like that as a big positive.
“I have that leadership mentality, and my energy has always been really high compared to other players,” Wilson said. “Everyone there matches my same energy, and it’s going to be really fun to play with everyone.”
While she’s excited for the next chapter, Wilson says she will miss the tight-knit community she was apart of in Gainesboro.
“The fellowship with everybody, and the familiarity of everybody that lives in this town,” Wilson said. “Everyone’s just like family.”
