GABRIELLE TILLEY – Women’s Basketball
Having earned multiple opportunities as four-year starter and a member of the 1,000-points club while playing basketball at Yukon High School, Gabrielle Tilley had certain expectations for her future on the hardwood when trying to make her decision on a college scholarship.
After her first visit with coach Keith Ferguson at Northeastern State University, Tilley found her answers.
“I was impressed with how friendly everyone was but more importantly how honest coach Ferg was with me about my opportunities…to not only become a better basketball player but also to become a better person and find my passion for life.”
Now midway through her sophomore season, RiverHawks coaches, teammates and fans are glad that Tilley, listed on the roster as a 5-foot-8 guard, chose to come to the ‘Quah determined to work her way into the game.
“You have to be a smart player, be coachable and willing to adjust to the demands of the game, said Tilley, known to her teammates as “Gabby”, a person never afraid to express her thoughts.
“I guess you can say I don’t sugarcoat things much, I let you know what I think. Still yet, I’m always going to be respectful,” said Tilley while describing her approach to being the best player possible as well as helping her teammates find success. “You have to focus on the things you can control like your attitude and always be all-in with your efforts.”
Defining herself as someone whose values evolve around honesty and loyalty, Tilley ranks respect as the number one trait in shaping her daily decisions.
“The way you treat others as well as yourself shows a lot about who you are.”
And for Tilley, it’s the respect of her professors that makes Northeastern State University the right choice for every student.
“At NSU, professors not only care about your work in the classroom but they also go out of their way to be flexible and accommodate student needs. Like basketball, we work as a team to find the best route to success.”
Majoring in Health and Human Performance with a minor in Health, Tilley has a future game plan for helping others following graduation as a pediatric physical therapist.
“I love being around little kids, watching them develop and grow,” said Tilley noting her passion for the “little RiverHawk fans” attending basketball games that want to high-5 players or maybe take a selfie. “I just try to be a good example and show them what can happen when you do what you need to do.”
Photo Courtesy NSU Media-Randy Edwards
