It's a homecoming for former Lady Rocket

Gaby Bussell, one of the greatest female athletes in the history of Forrest School returned home recently, taking over the Athletic Trainer role from Megan Koontz, who left Chapel Hill for a similar job in West Tennessee.

"This feels amazing, I am excited to be back home, representing everybody that worked for me and now working with the injured folks here in Chapel Hill," said Bussell. "It seems just like yesterday that we were winning the state basketball title and the softball title and I miss being out there, playing and practicing."

Years of honors

Bussell's accolades at Forrest include being named the 2005-'06 TSSAA State Tournament MVP and three-time District 9A player of the year in basketball.

During her four years on the hardwood at Forrest, the Lady Rockets compiled a record of 108-27, winning three consecutive District 9A titles, three Region 5A championships and made three straight state tournament trips, including the school's first state championship in any sport during that magical 2005-'06 Gold Ball campaign.

On May 23, 2008, Bussell became the first-ever graduate on the dirt of the Spring Fling softball diamond, trading her catcher's equipment for a cap and gown after the Lady Rockets stunned the defending champions Trinity Christian Academy Lady Lions 5-4 in the championship game to claim their first title at Starplex No. 4 in Murfreesboro.

Experience helps

Bussell believes her experience as an athlete will be her biggest asset, saying, "I understand some of the things athletes go through, like going to rehab or just the fact of explaining things to kids why we do things is different, because we never got taught that. So, hopefully now they can understand and that will make the process easier on everyone."

Bussell earned a basketball scholarship to Volunteer Sate in Gallatin and played both basketball and softball for one season while earning an Associate's degree in Applied Science before transferring to MTSU where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training.

Bussell is currently pursuing her Master's degree in the same field and is content in her current position.

"I definitely plan on staying at the high school level for a really long time," said Bussell. "This is my dream job, with the people I know, people who really care and parents that are awesome to work with. This is exactly where I wanted to be in the end."