Growing up, Gabby Quarles focused on running competitively.

But the first time she stepped on a volleyball court, she fell in love with the sport.

“When I was trying out, I was trying out with the older girls and I saw how good they were and how crafty they were with the ball,” Quarles said.  “And I’m just like, I want to be able to do that.”

Success came naturally to Quarles.

She was a key contributor in Carrollwood Day’s 2014 trip to the State Final and the Patriots’ Final Four run last year.

“It’s just like: no fear,” Quarles said.  “You have to go on the court with that confidence that you’re going to be better than the other person who’s on the other side of the court that plays your position.  And if you do that, then you’re definitely going to win.”

The junior outside hitter was at her best in the District Final against the Tampa Bay Heat.

She had 18 kills and four aces as the Patriots rallied from two sets down to win.

Quarles leads Carrollwood Day with 56 aces and is second on the team in kills (180) and digs (140)

“Everyone was so passionate,” Quarles said.  “You could feel it from the stands.  The team was all together.  We were playing as one.”

Gabby’s father, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shelton Quarles, is one of the loudest parents in those stands.

The current Tampa Bay Bucs Director of Football Operations was back cheering Gabby on in the Patriots’ three set win over Orlando Christian Prep.

“It just reminds me of when I was little watching him play from the stands, and now he’s doing the same thing for me,” Gabby Quarles said.  “That parallel is just really cool to have.  Seeing him cheer for me when I used to cheer for him- it’s really cool.”

Gabby is already getting Division One college interest from Liberty University and Virginia Commonwealth.

She says she hopes her legacy is to win a state title before her days at Carrollwood Day are done.

The Patriots will have a rematch with the Tampa Bay Heat in the Regional Final on Saturday at 2 p.m. with a spot in the State Final Four on the line.