Barrack Hebrew Academy’s Gabby Thomas is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The sophomore central midfielder has scored 13 goals for the Cougars girls soccer team (9-3), and scored four goals in the Penn Jersey League quarterfinal. Barrack Hebrew girls soccer head coach Keith Bradburd said, “Gabby can score from anywhere and is extremely crafty with the ball. She is also a superb defender and is generous with ball. Our team is organized through the center of the field, where Gabby has stepped up to the challenge.” A three-sport athlete at Barrack Hebrew, Thomas plays basketball in the winter and lacrosse in the spring for the Cougars.
Q: What do you think have been the biggest keys to your scoring success?
A: My success comes from my ability of knowing where my teammates are on the field without actually looking at them. I usually make decisions due to my experience as a player, such as looking over my shoulder, making me think about what I’m going to do with the ball before I get it.
Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: The strongest aspect of my game is my awareness and vision on the field. Currently, I am working on my off the ball movement because it creates space which ultimately creates more shot opportunities.
Q: Who have been your biggest soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each one?
A: My Dad has always been my biggest soccer mentor. He played soccer in England, where he grew up, and played in his backyard every day for hours on end. Throughout my life, he always supported me playing soccer and he trained me, turning me into the player I am today.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: Normally I listen to music to get me pumped up to play, then I stretch with my team and read the text my Dad writes to me each game.
Q: You’ve played with the Lower Merion Soccer Club for 12 years. What has been your most memorable experience with the LMSC?
A: I’ve loved every minute of my time with LMSC. My most memorable experience was my team’s trip to West Virginia. We went on a coach bus, and the trip was an unforgettable experience.
Q: What is your favorite academic subject at Barrack Hebrew Academy?
A: Probably chemistry or math.
Fun facts – Gabby Thomas
Favorite book: Hunger Games.
Favorite author: Suzanne Collins.
Favorite TV show: Friends.
Favorite movie: Goodwill Hunting.
Favorite athlete: Virgil Van Dijk.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Lose yourself- Eminem.
Favorite team: Liverpool.
Favorite place to visit: England.
Favorite pre-game meal: Banana and a protein bar.
Person I most admire, and why: “I admire my mom because she loves me, cares for me, and works so hard for our family. I love her and her enthusiasm towards my soccer career and my life in general.”
Family members: parents Ian and Ranita, older brother Matthew, younger sister Sophie, younger brother Ryan, and dogs Kodi and Miley.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
