Gabby Byrne '22 signs to play Lacrosse at Christopher Newport University

As a freshman on the Oakcrest Varsity Lacrosse team in 2019, Gabby was named Most Valuable Player, placing first in goals scored, first in assists, first in caused turnovers, and first in ground balls. Throughout the eight games of the season, she scored 26 goals, with seven assists, 20 caused turnovers, and 42 ground balls. In 2019, Gabby was named VISAA Division II Girls All State Second Team. At the Washington Girls Lacrosse Tournament, she scored the overtime goal, helping Oakcrest win this tournament for the first time. 

“Gabby is the player you want to have the ball when you need a goal with 30 seconds to go,” Michele Bulger, former Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Oakcrest, said. “She remains composed and confident. She brings out the best in her teammates, and in recognizing and encouraging their skill and talents.” 

Throughout her time at Oakcrest, Gabby also played four years of Varsity Basketball, four years of Varsity Soccer, two years of Varsity Lacrosse, and one year of Varsity Volleyball. In 2020, she was given the Heart and Hustle Award in Volleyball. On the Varsity Soccer team, Gabby was named the rookie of the year as a freshman, most improved player as a sophomore, and was team captain her senior year. As a four-year Varsity Basketball player, Gabby received the playmaker award her sophomore year, the sportsmanship award her senior year, and was team captain her junior and senior years. She sits at top four in career points for basketball. 

At the ceremonial signing ceremony on May 17, Head of School Dr. Mary T. Ortiz said, “Gabby is a true testament to the Oakcrest mission. Gabby has taken her passion of playing sports to the fullest and given us all a great example of sportsmanship at its best… Christopher Newport is gaining a great athlete, a great student, and most of all an awesome young woman.” 

Sarah Robertson, Oakcrest Upper School Athletic Director, shared her experience working with Gabby throughout the years. 

“The work that you’ve done in and out of school, on weekends, day in and day out, does not go unnoticed,” Robertson said. “Hard work truly pays off in your passion, it has made your dream a reality… Going that extra mile is not only about making the journey but doing more than is required. It takes hard work and commitment and you’ve done that and shown that, and I know you’re going to continue to do so.” 

Gabby is also a player on the Cardinal Girls Lacrosse Club team.