By Kyle LoJacono
Three years ago Ravin Gilbert had never run a track race, but now her talents have secured her a full scholarship at Georgia State University.
Gilbert switched from basketball as a sophomore and will now run with the Panthers, a Division I program in the Colonial Athletic Association.
“It’s unreal,” Ravin said. “I just can’t believe it’s happening. I think about it every day. I just can’t wait.”
Division I women’s track programs can offer 18 full scholarships, most of which get split to attract more athletes to a program, making it rare for someone to get 100 percent of their education paid for.
“If you take a look at my arms I’ve got goosebumps just thinking about what she can do in college,” said Steven Rivers, one of Gilbert’s AAU coaches. “To see her grow is going to be awesome.”
Wesley Chapel 12-year coach Brian Colding said Georgia Southern was wise to make the investment.
“They’re getting somebody who has high morals and ethics, and a student who cares about school,” Colding said. “Somebody who also has a level head on her shoulders and knows what it takes to succeed. She isn’t scared of hard work and isn’t looking for special treatment.”
Gilbert is Wesley Chapel’s record holder in the 200-meter race at 24.89 seconds and is five hundredths of a second away from the 100 record of 11.98. She will likely run the 100, 200 and 4×400 relay in college.
Gilbert will study physical therapy. She said academics were the first thing she looked at when picking a school.
“I looked at the academic side of things, and their academic team made me feel like they’ll have my back,” Gilbert said. “From there the team and coaches made me feel the vibe that it’s the right place.”
