The Georgia Impact – Jeffreys 16U team is unusual in that it has four players with the first name of “Gabby!”

It’s also highly packed with talent as the team, which is ranked in the Top 20 of the Full Count FAB 50 16U Club rankings, is comprised of all 2017 grads — except for three – and has recruits committed to universities like Arkansas, Florida, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Virginia.

Today we look more closely at one of the uncommitted Gabby’s, a freshman outfielder who Coach Rick Jeffreys warns, “… folks better get in line on this one!”

***

Name: GABBY BENSON
High School: Buford
City: Dacula
State: 
Ga.
Grad Year: 2018
Club: Georgia Impact -Jeffreys
Position(s): OF
Height: 5-foot-5
GPA: 4.0

High School Accomplishments: part of the Buford Wolves team that went 37-1 and won its eighth straight state championship (in three different classifications over that time).

Club Honors (2014): team received Invitation to PGF where it finished 13th, 16U Georgia ASA State Champion; 14U Colorado Sparkler Champion

College: uncommitted
Recruiting Process: “I am still looking at schools to make sure I find the best fit,” says Gabby. “I have had interest from several schools and an offer from one. It is so exciting but I am trying to remain open and just focus on improving my game.”

Coach’s Comments: “Gabby is a tremendous athlete and she has put on about 10 to 15 pounds of muscle over the past year. She is a left-handed batter and thrower who is a triple threat at the plate in that she can hit, slap and bunt very well.”

“With her increased strength she has added the power-hitting dimension to her game. Gabby covers a lot of ground in the outfield and has one of the strongest, most accurate arms I have seen. She is very coachable and a fantastic teammate. Gabby runs extremely well and is very versatile in that she can play first base also. She has excellent hands and glove skills in the infield.”

Finally, Gabby is a real joy to coach and really gives all she has each time she is out there on the field. She has tremendous success in the classroom as a straight A student too.”
— Rick Jeffreys, Head Coach of Georgia Impact-Jeffreys

---

10 Questions with Gabby…

FullCountSoftball.com: What’s this we hear that you have something against your nose!
Gabby Benson: My nose always finds a way to get banged up! I have kicked a TV over on it causing me to have stitches, I banged and bruised it on snow while snow skiing and I ran right into a firework that left a scar!

FCS.com: On a happier note, what makes softball so enjoyable for you?
GB: As an outfielder there is no better feeling than to make a perfect do-or-die throw to home throwing the girl out. Then there is the opportunity to meet college coaches, current, and former players. Also, last year I played on two State Championships team. Georgia Impact – Jeffreys won the ASA 16U State Tournament as a 14U team and Buford High School repeated as 4A state champs.  Winning two state championships in one season was amazing!

FCS.com: Is there a motto or philosophy you live by?
GB: Play like you are the best, practice like you are in second place.

FCS.com: What are you looking in a college?
GB: Academics, a good athletic program and good restaurant’s around the school, especially Zaxby’s!

FCS.com: Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals of note?
GB: When I get in the box, I point my bat before I set up.

FCS.com: What’s the one or two things you think you do best on the field?
GB: I think I bring versatility to the plate in that I can slap, bunt and swing. As far as my defense, I can cover ground in the outfield and I have a strong arm.

FCS.com: Is there an area you want to work on?
GB: Getting behind the ball and knowing a plan every time I get up to bat.

FCS.com: Do you play other sports?
GB: When I was little younger, I played tennis competitively and was working on my ranking. But then I fell in love with softball and turned my racquet in for a bat.

FCS.com: Describe yourself as a softball player in one word:
GB: Swagger!

FCS.com: What do you want to study or do as a career after your playing days are over?
GB: Sports Medicine or Physical Therapy.

More Photos of Gabby…