Contact CU Independent sports writer Olivia Butrymovich at olbu3713@colorado.edu.
It was pretty much predestined that Gabby Simpson was going to play volleyball for the University of Colorado. She may not have known it at the age of 12 when she started playing club volleyball for the esteemed Colorado Juniors, or two years ago during the middle of her senior season at Doherty High School in Colorado Springs, but it was clear that CU would have more to offer her than any other university. Not only would she be able to call the picturesque Boulder home, but she would also be playing the game she loved with her older sisters Cierra and Taylor Simpson.
Fast forward to this year. Gabby Simpson has established her name in the college volleyball world. The 6-foot 3-inch tall sophomore has been making waves as the primary right side hitter for the Colorado volleyball team. Gabby has already received Pac-12 Offensive Player of the week twice this year.
It wasn’t a done deal that CU would be the school of choice for Gabby. She was originally recruited by four other schools, including in-state rivals Colorado State. During her senior year of high school Gabby had originally committed to playing as a Ram before she changed her mind.
When it came down to it, nobody except CU could offer her the right opportunity. Last year, Gabby and her sisters became the first trio of sisters in NCAA Division I volleyball history to play simultaneously for the same team.
“When I was thinking about deciding that was definitely a huge influence, having both of my sisters here and playing with both of them,” Simpson said.
Gabby has played with sister and current junior Libero Cierra for a total of five years now, three in high school and now two in college.
“That’s a once in a lifetime thing,” Simpson added on the chance to accompany both of her sisters on the court.
Gabby’s game has evolved since her arrival in Boulder last fall, switching not only her physical role on the court, but her mentality as well.
“I’m not a setter anymore, and that’s a huge difference for me, growing up that’s all I did, the only time I hit was in high school and that was only like twice maybe,” Simpson said of her adaptation to college volleyball.
“ You can be good, you can be great in high school, you can be outstanding, and then as soon as you get to college you’re playing against girls that are bigger, better, faster, stronger than you and you just have to cope with it.”
Simpson has recorded 285 kills already this season, 100 more than she had throughout the entire regular and post seasons last year. Not only that but Simpson earned the Buffs’ set-winning kill against Stanford earlier this month. It solidified Colorado’s first ever victory over the Cardinal.
“I have never felt more confident in a hit in my entire life. When she set me that ball I knew I was gonna get the kill.”
Gabby recorded a career high in kills that game with 25 and a .405 hitting percentage. She also capped off her night with 10 digs.
“That’s what we live for, those moments.”
Simpson is looking forward to seeing the season wind down and is hoping for a stellar end for the Buffs. The Buffs currently sit sixth in the Pac-12 and Simpson’s hopes are that they can continue their climb to finish fourth. CU finished last year’s regular season tying four leading into post season.
“We’re just like a roller coaster, we’re very inconsistent. I’m hoping from here on out it’s just up, no more dips.”
If given the chance to face the rival Rams once again in post season, Gabby believes it is only for the better. Colorado ended up losing to Colorado State in three sets last year in front of a sold out stadium.
When Simpson arrived in Fort Collins for the first time after becoming a CU student, the rival crowd didn’t take it it too well.
“I’m sure there were like 6,000 fans screaming traitor in my face,” Simpson said.
Despite the negativity from “Little Brother,” Simpson is happy with her decision to attend CU as an advertising student and to follow in the footsteps of her sisters.
