by: Abigail Gaddy-Harrison

SANFORD – Gillian Garrison is an all-around athlete at Lee County High School. No matter the season, she is always on the field whether it is soccer, golf or basketball season.

When she is not on the field, she is putting time in clubs, such as Skills USA, Key Club, BETA Club, or her studies as a full diploma candidate in the International Baccalaureate program.

“Gillian is an amazing student,” said IB program director Katie Brown. “She’s somebody that’s kind of rare.”

“It can be stressful at times, but I enjoy it,” Garrison said.

On Tuesday, all of her hard work paid off when she signed to continue her soccer career at Campbell University. The short drive to Buies Creek will allow Garrison to achieve a lifelong dream of playing Division I soccer.

With all of the stress and hard work, Garrison developed a work ethic that allowed her to achieve those goals. She says that to achieve those dreams, you have to stay motivated and work on time management skills.

“A lot of time management, I guess,” she said. “Just staying motivated, doing things that you enjoy so you can have fun while doing it.

“You never have to get on her for not doing her work or not doing the best work,” Brown added.

Her teachers say Garrison is someone that sees the light in everyone. Her motivation, hard work and dreams allowed her to achieve her goals. Now, as a Division I signee, Garrison will continue with those same skills she learned at LCHS. Her motto is simple.

“We only live once,” Garrison said. “Why not make it memorable?”