LYNN — Gabby Torres has been a significant contributor for the St. Mary’s girls basketball team ever since she stepped on the court as a freshman. Now, having completed her senior year with a Division 3 state title with the Spartans, Torres is ready to take the next step. After considering her options, Torres has committed to play basketball at Salem State University next winter.
“One of the biggest things for me is that it’s still close to home, which is great,” Torres said. “The community there was so welcoming, and the team was as well. I’ve already gotten to know a couple of the girls and they’re great. Salem State also has my major (Health Sciences), so that’s definitely a plus.”
Torres was a key cog in the Spartans’ machine, coming up big on the offensive end when St. Mary’s needed it most. She earned All-Catholic Central League honors for her performance this season, which included a number of big shots in clutch moments.
“Gabby came in as a freshman and played a significant role for us,” said St. Mary’s coach Jeff Newhall. “Since then, she’s only gotten better. She plays her best in the biggest games, and that’s all you can ever ask for.”
She was also a staunch defender, taking on the opposing team’s best player each and every night.
“She’s one of the toughest players in the history of this program, and she’s probably one of the top two or three defenders we’ve ever had,” Newhall said. “She always went out there, she covered the other team’s best player and she came up big for us.”
For Torres, the close ties with her teammates is what she’s going to treasure for years to come.
“My time at St. Mary’s was pretty amazing,” said Torres. “We’re such a close knit team and we always have been. All of the experiences we’ve had, good and bad, we’ll have those forever.”
As the spring turns to summer, Torres is beginning to ramp up her preparation for next basketball season. Things have been different this year with the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down gyms and outdoor courts, so Torres has had to make due. But as things begin to open up, she knows the real work can now begin.
“At first I was just working out at home doing whatever I could, but things are starting to open up a little now,” Torres said. “I’ve been able to play a little bit of pickup, so I’m ready to start getting back into the swing of things.”