"If I were to describe Gaby in one word, I would say trailblazer," said Hayward Miller, Atlantic Coast Flag Football Head Coach.
Gaby Rourke is on the verge of becoming a Division I soccer star at the University of Kentucky, yet she's already shattered expectations by thriving in five high school sports.
"I never would have thought that I'd become the first female football player in Atlantic Coast history to play," said Rourke, Atlantic Coast senior. "I'm very grateful for all the opportunities I've been given, very blessed. But I want more. I think it's very cocky to say, but it's also what kind of sets me apart from other people."
Growing up with two older brothers, that mindset was instilled in Gaby from a very young age.
"They both played multiple sports as well, so growing up with them and seeing how competitive they are, it was basically in my blood to want to be better than them," said Rourke.
As a multi-sport athlete, it helps Gaby build her primary skill set as a goalkeeper.
"Football, they use a lot of different techniques in kicking, whether it's field goals and kickoffs. With volleyball, it helps me with my vertical. With flag football, a lot of it is high pointing the ball, knowing when to jump to go get it at its highest point, and knowing my highest point. I've noticed the more sports I play, the fewer injuries I have because I'm using so many different muscles that no muscle gets overworked," said Rourke.
But it also helps her show others that anything is possible.
"If you even think about doing something for a split second, do it. Just show them that you can do it. Just because other people are doubting you, other people are saying no or it's not normal, who cares. You only live once, so might as well do it."
Moving forward, the future Kentucky Wildcat wants to continue to be the trailblazer that she is.
"Going Division I, that was my biggest goal growing up, but now it's getting to the Olympics, with soccer and flag football, I want to be the first to play two sports in the Olympics," said Rourke.
On top of everything she has accomplished, Rourke recently became just the second girls' flag football player from Duval County to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season.