WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Foundation Academy in Winter Garden is exceeding expectations to begin their season, riding an 11-game home winning streak, putting up big numbers at the plate and keeping opponents at bay in their 15-1 start.
One Lions player in particular, Rylee Gibson, has helped out tremendously on both sides at the plate and on the mound.
When Gibson was young, he and his family moved from Colorado to Florida. Although he does say he loves the weather in the mountains, a move to the Sunshine State meant something even greater for the young athlete at the time: year-round baseball. Since then, the game has only grown for Gibson since joining Foundation Academy.
“I’ve been here since eighth grade now. I have been on varsity every year, but I’ve really started playing these past two years, definitely improved as a player,” the junior said. “Having different coaches has definitely pushed me in ways that I’ve never been pushed before.”
The Lions have been nearly unstoppable this season, and Gibson has been a key part of their success.
“It’s been unreal for us. He pitched in every big game, and he’s won us every big game on the mound. And obviously helps us out offensively,” said Foundation Academy baseball coach Dakoda Grove.
Gibson contributes at the plate, leading the team in hits and RBI, but his real passion is on the mound.
“I play first because I love to hit, but I love pitching. I love controlling the game. I love just going up there, doing my job,” said Gibson. “Helps when you have a good team behind you that can get outs when you make your pitches.”
“He’s gained about five miles per hour on the mound with his fastball, which is obviously helped him out a bunch. And then at the plate, swing’s much shorter, finding way more barrels,” said Grove. “And he’s been awesome. I think he’s batting over .500 this year, and it’s helped us out a bunch to be able to contribute on the mound, on the plate.”
Gibson has been dominant while pitching, with a 1.40 ERA, and he has struck out a third of the batters he’s faced all season. He is an all-around ballplayer whose discipline in and outside of practice has led him to becoming the best player possible.
“It makes our job easier as coaches where he’s helping us not only on the mound but at the plate,” said Grove. “Even when he pitches, he hits for us. So he helps himself out at the same time. So it’s been amazing.”
“Doing it all feels great,” Gibson said.
“Feels fulfilling when you can help your team out and you can pick them up on both sides of the field,” said Gibson. “You can pitch a complete game, but without hitting, you’re not going to win. Offense wins games but defense wins championships, so if you got both, that can really help you.”