Two of the state of Florida's top athletes just happen to be sisters and happen to be twins. Holy Trinity seniors Daryth and Gaby Gayles have been inseparable most of their lives and will continue their college careers together at one of the most prestigious academic and athletic institutions in the country; Stanford University. Daryth says the recruiting process was both hectic and overwhelming at the beginning.
"Coaches began contacting us by email, and eventually by phone after July 1. However, it was extremely exciting to be contacted by a wide variety of college coaches and to have so many different options and so many amazing opportunities. In a way, the recruiting process signaled the beginning of the next stage of our lives, academically and athletically."
For Gaby, the process was an eye opener. While other runners around the country stressed over where they would attend, she didn't have to. Her and her sister were able to choose from the best schools in the country. The number one factor for them was academics and a school with a high academic caliber. In addition to Stanford, the two took official visits to Ivy League schools Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia. The final decision came down to Stanford and Princeton with the Cardinal winning out. Daryth says the balance of academics and athletics the California school provided was key.
"My sister and I have always been academically oriented, but track and field is very important to us as well. Thus, we wanted to pick a school that reflected these values. Stanford is elite as an academic institution as well as an elite athletic institution."
Gaby echoes her sisters sentiments and says she's worked hard over the years at Holy Trinity to put herself in the position to get into a great academic school.
"Stanford has top notch academics comparable with that of the Ivy League schools, but also great athletics. Athletics are also a huge part of my life, and they were also a big factor in my decision. Hence, a strong balance between these two things was very important to me, and I felt that Stanford the perfect mixture of great academics and a strong athletic program."
The duo sees similarities in their current school Holy Trinity where they have attended since the seventh grade and their college destination. Both Daryth and Gaby have over 4.0 grade point averages in the classroom and have won three team titles as members of the Tigers' track and field program. Individually, Daryth has picked up two 1A state titles in the 100 meters and sister Gaby has three 400 meter crowns. They also have been a part of three champion 4x100 meter relay teams. Holy Trinity coach Doug Butler says Stanford is getting a pair of gems in the Gayle girls.
"They are 4.5 GPA students that are "ALL BUSINESS". Stanford is getting the cream of the crop and I think they know that. These two girls were recruited by more schools than any other athlete I have had and that should say something there as we have had a few stellar runners."
Daryth isn't looking forward to one thing in particular rather the experience as a whole. She says she can't wait to meet new people, be a part of a new team, improve in track and field, and tackle interesting and challenging courses. For Gaby, the competitive aspect fuels her fire.
"Most of all, I am looking forward to being in a competitive sprinting environment with other girls who are elite athletes. The incoming freshman track team to Stanford is a very talented group of girls. One particular girl who has committed to Stanford, Olivia Baker, runs a 52 second 400 and is one of the fastest 400 meter runners in her age group in the world."
Now that the recruiting decision is behind them they can focus on their senior seasons. For Daryth, there is motivation to finish strong. As a junior, a hamstring injury prevented her from competing for a majority of the season, including the state meet. She says she can't believe it's already her senior year of high school and her last track season.
"One of my general goals is to improve and have a successful season unhindered by injury. As a team, I hope that our girls can take home the state championship. I think that I will remember a lot of the big moments, such as the state meets. However, I will remember a lot of the little moments as well, especially the many fun times my teammates and I have shared at meets and at practice. I want to thank my teammates and my coaches for making my experience special."
Gaby also has lofty goals for 2014. She hopes to go low 54 in the 400, and break into the 23's in the 200. Additionally she wants another state title in the 400, 4x100, and to hoist another team trophy. She says out of all of her years being on the Holy Trinity track team she will remember most her coaches and the fun times she's had with those teammates. Coach Doug Butler hopes that the Gayles' have one last hurrah before they head to Stanford.
"Daryth and Gaby have been a huge part of our track program for almost 6 years now. They were stars when they got here and we knew that they were going to be big time runners from the first year on. Daryth and Gaby are simply not replaceable. From the 100,200,400 4 x 100 and LJ, they have been dominate forces and are going to be two girls you will read a great deal about in the future. Stanford is the perfect program for them to thrive in. I believe they are going to go out on top this year and I hope they take our team with them."
Daryth's Personal Bests
- 100 Meter Dash - 11.80
- 200 Meter Dash - 25.55
- 60 Meter Dash - 7.99
- Long Jump - 19-1.75
Gaby's Personal Bests
- 100 Meter Dash - 11.84
- 200 Meter Dash - 24.12
- 400 Meter Dash - 54.65
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