by Rusty Ellis
COOKEVILLE – Cookeville senior Isabel Garcia took the next step in her athletic and academic journey on Friday morning, as she signed her national letter of intent to play basketball for Lindsey Wilson College upon graduation.
“I’m super excited to see where this takes me,” Garcia said. “I’m just happy that I get this opportunity. I really just felt this feeling that I didn’t feel anywhere else, and it felt like I would fit in there.”
That feeling, along with it being closer to home, played a big part in LWC’s landing of Garcia.
“That was a big factor because I’ve always been super close to my family,” Garcia said. “Knowing that I can come down pretty much any chance I get, it’s great.”
CHS head coach Jamie Gillies has spent the last few years being one of Garcia’s biggest supporters, and she says it’s a rewarding feeling to see all of her hard work pay off.
“I think she’s made everyone a believer,” Gillies said. “Just to see where she’s come, her footwork wasn’t great when she got here so she worked on it. She couldn’t really go left when she first got here, now people are asking me if she’s left-handed. She’s just done anything and everything I’ve asked of her.”
And it’s that same work ethic that gives Gillies the confidence to say she’ll make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
“I think so, they needed a post player and they said she’ll have the opportunity to come in and play immediately,” Gillies said. “I think it’s a good fit, and it’s only about an hour-and-a-half from home. She’ll always have someone at her games, and that’s a big deal to her.”
Garcia says she’ll miss the relationships she’s built over her four-year career as a Lady Cav, but also states that she’s excited for what the future holds.
“I’m definitely going to miss my teammates, because this past year, I really feel like I’ve gotten close with them,” Garcia said. “Just the friendships, and I’m looking forward to making new friendships and winning at the next level. I think I’m ready.”
