Although the coronavirus pandemic has halted Gabrielle Harding’s senior track and field season with the Lady Hubs, it will not mark the end for the Rochelle Township High School thrower, who has committed to continuing her academics and athletics at the collegiate level.

Harding, who specializes in the discus and shot put, will compete with the Concordia University Chicago women’s track and field program next year. Harding finished her junior season with a strong performance in the IHSA Rochelle Sectional, taking third in the shot put and coming within inches of qualifying for state. Harding plans to study physical therapy.

“I chose CUC because of the great programs they have to offer,” Harding said. “When I met the throwing coach [Amanda Gricus], I was amazed at her commitment to her team and how she truly wants to see all of the athletes improve. I’m truly excited to see how she can help me progress further in my throwing career, and I’m extremely excited for the competition.”

A three-sport student-athlete at RTHS, Harding has competed with the basketball, volleyball and track programs all four years of her high school career. Harding finished fifth in the Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference Championship track meet last season, setting a personal record in the shot put with a mark of 34 feet 2 ½ inches. She set her personal best in the discus as a sophomore, when she won the Ogle County Championship with a mark of 108-8.

“RTHS has helped me prepare for the collegiate level because our athletes have pushed me to constantly improve,” Harding said. “Our throwers motivate me to get better and become a better version of myself. We also have very talented throwers in our conference, and they push me to throw my very best in every meet… I’m certainly going to see a new challenge in college.”

Harding plans not only to compete in discus and shot put in college, but she has expressed interest in attempting both hammer throw and javelin throw. She said her motivation to pursue physical therapy stems from overcoming injuries she and her family members have endured through the years including a torn ACL that Harding suffered this past year.

“Gabby has been a consistent performer on the team for four years,” head girls track coach Alison Vrana said. “I can always count on her to score points in both shot put and discus. Gabby’s a hard worker and she loves to compete. I know she will be successful in her collegiate career and I’m looking forward to watching her compete there.”