Erin Gabriel '12

Erin Gabriel, Class of 2012, was a four-year softball letter winner and two-year captain for the Poland Lady Bulldogs. Widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in both school and Ohio high school softball history, Erin earned national recognition after striking out 34 batters in a 16-inning, 2–1 victory over American Heritage School (Florida). In 2011, she led Poland to a 26–3 record, a No. 21 national ranking in the POWERADE FAB 50 poll, and the program's first-ever State Championship.

As a senior, Erin compiled a 16–2 record with 232 strikeouts, batted .461 with 28 RBIs, and scored 35 runs. She was named ESPNHS All-American in 2010, 2011, and 2012, Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year in 2010 and 2011, and earned All-State, All-Northeast Ohio, and All-District honors from 2009–2012.

During her remarkable high school career, Erin finished with a 69–7 record, a 0.51 ERA, and 1,056 strikeouts while appearing in 119 games. At the plate, she hit .492 with 22 home runs and 131 RBIs. She also became the first freshman in school history to throw a no-hitter.

Erin represented the United States on the 2011 Junior Women's National Team, winning a gold medal at the Junior Women's World Championship in South Africa, where she posted a 2–0 record. She was the only high school player on the championship-winning team. In addition to softball, Erin played four years of varsity soccer at Poland Seminary and earned All-State honors in 2012.

After graduation, Erin accepted a full athletic scholarship to the University of Tennessee, where she pitched for the Volunteers from 2013–2016 and advanced to the Women's College World Series twice. Her collegiate honors included Easton Scholar-Athlete, Capital One Academic All-American, NFCA All-American Scholar-Athlete, and SEC All-Tournament Team. She concluded her Tennessee career with 48 victories (10th in program history), a .750 winning percentage (5th), 16 shutouts (1st), 434 strikeouts (5th), two no-hitters, and one perfect game.

Erin currently resides in Poland, Ohio, and attended Youngstown State University to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.