Gibbs is a dominating force for the Bulldogs

Bellevue Bulldogs sophomore Payton Gibbs is putting together a season for the ages for her softball team.

Gibbs, who has won 14 games and struck out 135 batters as a pitcher, also has connected on 14 home-runs and tallied 52 RBI at the plate.

Gibbs is the epitome of a dual threat and relishes the role of being one of the leaders of the team. The Bulldogs have compiled an overall record of 22-10 thus far during the 2017 season.

“I think for myself it is a lot easier for me to stay in the game if I get to be pitching and hitting at the same time. It’s definitely a privilege to be able to do that. I know a lot of times a lot of D-1 college pitchers don’t get to do that so I look at it as a really good opportunity,” Gibbs said.

While Gibbs enjoys hitting, her first love is the pitching circle.

“I get that constant adrenaline rush and the pressure. I enjoy the pressure of being out on the mound,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs, who is just one of three returning starters from the 2016 squad, thinks her team is in a good position with just six regular season games remaining. Last year, the Bulldogs earned a third-place finish at the NWAC championships and tallied an overall record of 41-8.

“We just have a lot of drive this year. We’re pretty energetic and are heading in the right direction. We’ve definitely had our ups and downs but I think everything is starting to happen for a reason and that everything is falling into place,” Gibbs said.

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Gibbs a few questions about her life away from the softball field.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Payton Gibbs: I’m probably going to have to go with Nacho Libre. I think I watch it every day.

BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

PG: Mark Walhberg [actor]. He is a very handsome fella.

BR: Who was your favorite sports team growing up?

PG: I came from a Raiders family so probably the Raiders [NFL team].

BR: Who was your idol growing up?

PG: Both of my parents. They’re pretty strong people. They fight for what they want and I think that is pretty much what I do in my life.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

PG: I love coloring. It is very soothing to me.

BR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your iPod right now?