Having that Gibson legacy, Abbie explained why she fol- lowed Mekayla’s footsteps from being an Owensville Dutchgirl to a William Woods Owl. “I think there are many fac- tors that go into why I chose to sign onto William Woods,” Abbie Gibson said. “The big- gest reason I chose William Woods was because every time my family and I would


move my sister into her dorm the past years before school start- ed, I felt such a calm and warm, almost home-like feeling even though I wasn’t the one being moved in. My coaches always told  be able to wake up every morning and feel happy, and whenever I would stay with my sister in her dorm, I felt that feeling! I started my college search my junior year. There were only two other col- leges I checked out, and they were Columbia College and State Fair Community College. Both of these schools had great coaches  thing always pulled me back to WWU!”


Mekayla shared the same sentiment as Abbie about why she


picked The Woods. Since she’s been a student at the university for four years, the older Gibson shared her favorite part of the school. “My favorite part at William Woods as a student is the ed- ucation program,” Gibson said. “My professors here are very supportive and want to see each young teacher succeed inside the classroom. You can connect very well with the education professors here.”  done, Gibson mentioned what legacy she hopes to leave after grad- uating from William Woods.


“When I graduate, I want people to remember me for always work- ing towards my next goal,” Gibson said. “I really did reach for the stars throughout my college running career, and it is because I was constantly working hard to achieve my goals. I want people to re- member that I was always very kind and supportive towards anyone. I think my legacy will be positive and will drive other future Owls to pursue their many goals.”


Speaking of future goals, Gibson naturally won’t be done with ed- ucation, and on top of that, she plans to keep running. “My plans are to use my degree and start teaching middle school science,” Gibson said. “I also plan to still keep running and enter in unattached races/road races. Still not sure what my future holds!”


84 /// January 2025


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