Glidewell commits to continue softball journey with LBWCC

Published 12:00 pm Saturday, November 20, 2021

: Straughn High School senior Abbey Glidewell will remain close to home after high school and play softball for the LBWCC Saints. Pictured are, from left, (front) LBWCC Head Softball Coach Kaitlynn Wiggins, Derek Glidewell, father, Glidewell, Tammy Glidewell, mother, SHS Head Softball Coach Candace Tucker; (back) LBWCC Student Assistant Graci Williams, Gail “Gigi” Grimes, Pitching/Travel Ball Coach Chan Adams, Carley Glidewell, sister, and Ted “Bop” Grimes.

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Straughn High School senior softball pitcher Abbey Glidewell took Walt Disney’s famous words to heart after signing a National Letter of Intent with the LBWCC Saints Thursday.

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them” fits her to a T. Glidewell, who will become a third-generation Saint, said she started playing softball at the T-ball level at the age of four.

Abbey Glidewell signs her NLI with LBWCC softball.

“I really enjoy playing as a team and winning as a team. It has always been a dream of mine to play for LBW. I wanted to stay closer to home and play in my hometown. My parents, sister, and grandparents all attended LBWCC, and we would like to keep it in the family.”

She hopes playing for the Saints will allow her to further her softball career. “I’m looking forward to helping the younger classmates as we work as a team. I’m also hoping to get a softball scholarship to a four-year school after I finish at LBW,” she said.

Abbey Glidewell and her family are looking forward to the opportunity of college softball at LBWCC.

As she enters her senior season at Straughn, she is excited to be a leader. When she is not in the circle, Glidewell can be found patrolling center field for the Lady Tigers. “I want to set a good example with my senior leadership and make a difference to the underclassmen on the team.”

Like her mother, she plans to earn a degree in the education field. “She teaches Special Education, but I would like to major in Elementary Education,” Glidewell said.

Abbey Glidewell celebrates her Signing Day with Coach Wiggins and Coach Tucker.

Glidewell is grateful to have been under the leadership of SHS head coach Candace Tucker. “Coach Tucker has taught me leadership, and she is a good mentor. I was injured last year and am working very hard to come back better than ever,” she said.

“This signing is a reward for a lot of hard work over the last several years. Abbey has put in the extra time it takes to earn a scholarship at the next level. She along with Coach (Chan) Adams has worked to make this a reality, and I could not be prouder for her. She is excited about becoming a Saint next fall and contributing as a senior for us in the spring. I am excited to see her hard work pay off,” Tucker said.

Abbey Glidewell appreciates the help of Taylor Adams and her pitching/travel ball coach Chan Adams.

Her parents have played a big role in helping her become the young woman she is today. “My parents’ encouragement to work hard and to not give up has helped make for great accomplishments in my high school softball career,” Glidewell said.

LBWCC Head Coach Kaitlynn Wiggins is certainly excited about Glidewell being a key addition to the Saints’ roster.

Abbey Glidewell basks in the moment of becoming an LBWCC Saint with her Straughn senior softball teammates.

“I am definitely looking forward to having her move in and contribute to our pitching staff. I have a very strong pitching staff this year and the next, including Abbey. Being a Straughn native, it’s always awesome seeing these locals continue their athletic career at the collegiate level,” she said.

She is the daughter of Derek and Tammy Glidewell and has an older sister, Carley. “Being the third generation of my family to attend LBW is pretty special, and I’m looking forward to continuing the family legacy and tradition,” Glidewell said.