Athlete of the Week: Rylee Gibson, Foundation baseball

Foundation Academy senior Rylee Gibson established himself as a force on the mound and the batter’s box last season. He helped lead the Lions to a 25-5 record, the most wins in school history.

On the mound, Gibson — or as he’s called by his teammates “Hollywood” — had shown flashes of his skills since the eighth grade, but as a junior, he turned that potential into production. In 56.2 innings pitched, Gibson threw 58 strikeouts, had an ERA of 1.11 and finished the season with a 3-0 record.

His big jump came at the plate, going from a .290 batting average as a sophomore to hitting .400 (30/75) as a junior. He also drove in 25 runs, scored 21 runs and hit one home run.

That sort of production earned the 6-foot-2, Colorado native a scholarship to play college baseball and pursue an engineering and military career at The Citadel.

The Basics

Age: 17

Sport: Baseball

Grade: Senior

School: Foundation Academy

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week? 

It is a true honor. Working hard day in and day out on the field, in the classroom and in the weight room — it feels rewarding to have my hard work recognized. 

What do you like the most about baseball? 

I love the feeling of having all the pressure on you and being the only one who can control the outcome — especially on the mound. There is nothing like pitching with a 3-2 count with bases loaded and the game on the line. 

How does it feel to be committed to play baseball at the collegiate level? 

It is a dream come true. I remember being in Little League and watching college and professional baseball, and thinking about how hard they threw or how big the field was. Now, to be in that position, to being one step closer to The Show, is a one-of-a-kind feeling.

What was it about The Citadel that made you feel like that was the college for you?

From the moment I walked on campus, I felt like it was everything I was looking for in a school. Walking around the gorgeous campus, I could feel how incredible the environment that surrounded me was. Then, when we made our way over to their stadium, which is a Minor League ballpark, it was truly amazing. The Citadel offers me what I truly want: the opportunity to serve my country in the U.S. Army, as well as receive a top-tier education and get the chance to play baseball at the collegiate level.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing sports? 

I have learned to not let other people get into my head. I have had coaches and teammates who have not always believed that I would become anything. But, the biggest advice I can give is to not let other people affect who you are. Ultimately, you are going to be who you are meant to be. Your hard work and determination set the limit for what is possible.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Tim Tebow is my favorite athlete because of the person he is. Even though Tim Tebow was an exceptional athlete, I don’t believe any athletic accomplishment of his truly speaks to the person he is. He is generous and caring to people who aren’t as fortunate, and he truly makes people’s lives better. In everything he does, he lives in faith.

Is there someone after whom you model your game?

I don’t necessarily model my game after any single player. I don’t believe in trying to copy someone’s mechanics or mentality, because, in the end, you are your own player. My mindset is just to attack hitters and do so with confidence. I really try to just throw strikes and see what they can do with what I give them. I throw all my pitches with confidence and if a hitter gets a hit there is nothing I can do but tip my cap and move on to the next batter.

Favorite memory from playing baseball?

My favorite memory from baseball is hitting back-to-back-to-back home runs last year versus The First Academy. The adrenaline going through my body as those home runs were hit was a feeling I had never felt before. I have many friends and travel teammates on that team, so to be able to do that against them is a nice friendly competition that I can remind them of.

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

Chick-fil-A sandwich, a banana and Gatorade.

What is your go-to pregame hype song?

I listen to country or worship music before a game. I don’t necessarily get “hyped up,” but the music more calms my nerves and lets me focus on the game. 

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

I love traveling all over, which I do a lot playing baseball.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Math. I love problem-solving and learning how things work, which many people take advantage of in their everyday lives.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

A fishing rod, a tent and a fire-starter. I would like to at least try and survive on the island, so I feel like those things are necessary for giving myself a chance.

What is your favorite movie?

“A Few Good Men.” I love the whole court process and along with engineering, I am very interested in law.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

I would want to have dinner with Elon Musk, because he thinks in a different way than other inventors, and I feel I similarly try to solve problems that many people wouldn’t even attempt.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I would go back to the time of Jesus, so I could see the kind of person he was with my own two eyes. 

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to take all the mundane things seriously because doing something small can be the difference between success and failure.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

Is there something you wish you would have made time for, but never got around to?

What is your most controversial food take?

I don’t like my toast toasted. It has to be very lightly warmed and just barely crispy.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Yes. It’s amazing.