The 2020 Catoosa-walker County Softball Dream Team

Rachel Gibson (Senior, Heritage) The 2020 Catoosa County Softball Pitcher of the Year

When Rachel Gibson laced up her cleats for the first time in a Heritage High School uniform, she did so while also carrying the weight of having perhaps the most potential and biggest future expectations of any freshman in the program’s history.

Four years later and there can be no doubt that she not only lived up to that potential and those huge expectations, but surpassed them.

Gibson will head to Clemson University this upcoming fall after becoming the most decorated player in Heritage softball history.

Named region Co-pitcher of the Year as a freshman, Gibson held the title all by herself the past three seasons as was also named the GACA Class AAAA Pitcher of the Year the past three years. She helped the Generals to four region championships and the last three GHSA Class AAAA state fastpitch titles.

The hard-throwing righthander will graduate as the program’s all-time leader in wins (68), season ERA (0.74 in 2020) and career ERA (1.20 in 494 innings pitched), single-season strikeouts (303 in 2019) and career strikeouts (847).

And today, one final addition to her resume as Catoosa County Pitcher of the Year for a third consecutive season.

Gibson won 16 games for the Navy-and-red this past fall, picking up 183 strikeouts against just 26 walks in 106 innings with the aforementioned minuscule ERA.

“I pitched a lot less than I did last year, but that really helped so I could be there for when the team needed me,” Gibson explained. “I tried to be a good leader and show (the younger pitchers) what it was like to take over because a pitcher is a big part of the team and all eyes are on you when you’re pitching.

I just wanted to give them a good example of what to expect and what to do over the next few years.”

While pitching was Gibson’s No. 1 priority, she also finished her high school career by batting .326 with 18 doubles, four triples, 14 home runs and 67 RBIS.

“Obviously, we won state for the third time in a row and it’s pretty awesome to make history for this program,” she continued. “I’m excited to see where this program goes with Megan Crawford being the new head coach. She’s going to do great leading (the

program) and I wish all the pitchers the best of luck in the upcoming seasons.”

While big things await her in college, Gibson said she will definitely miss her time at Heritage.

“I’ll miss the girls, obviously, because we’ve all built such great friendships and I’ll miss the coaches for how much they have helped me throughout the years,” she continued. “I’ll miss the school too. It’s been so amazing coming here and it’s sad to be leaving, but I’m excited for these upcoming years at Clemson.”