Gabriel is a bright and determined 12-year-old from Lexington, SC, with a huge heart and an even bigger love for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, especially the baseball team. Living with autism, Gabriel has shown incredible resilience and perseverance in ways that aren’t always visible at first glance.
On the surface, you’d see a hardworking young man who has made the Dean’s List in middle school and spends his afternoons playing baseball with his friends. But every day is a different challenge for Gabriel. Making friends and fitting in doesn’t always come easily, and he often holds himself to impossibly high standards. His perfectionism can lead to daily struggles in the classroom, where he fidgets, needs frequent breaks, and works tirelessly to stay focused—while also facing teasing from peers.
Through it all, Gabriel’s love for his family shines brightest. He constantly talks about how they support one another—whether it’s cheering at his sister’s dance recitals or gathering together at the dinner table for family meals.
Gabriel’s ultimate Dream would be to spend a day with the Gamecocks baseball team—starting with Chick-Fil-A Chicken Minis for breakfast with his family, then heading to the ballpark to throw out the first pitch, and getting the chance to talk strategy with the players and coaches he admires so much. For Gabriel, this isn’t just about baseball—it’s about feeling included, celebrated, and encouraged to keep chasing his dreams.
