Top of her Game

SARASOTA — Booker High senior Senia Gibbons, known around school as Nia, has two places where she feels entirely free to be herself: the basketball court and inside the confines of the school’s junior ROTC program. 

Whether she’s dribbling back and forth across the court or leading 240 cadets through a Raiders practice, Gibbons is entirely at ease. A smile spreads across her face at the mere mention of her two passions. 

“Nia lays it all out on the floor each and every day,” Booker coach Hollie Nelson said. “She hustles, and she pushes her teammates to do the same. Nia understands hard work is a requirement to get what you want or to where you want to be.” 

Gibbons embraces her roles as both team captain for the Lady Tornadoes and battalion commander for JROTC. 

For two years, she attended Southeast High, where she played basketball and was a part of the Seminoles' JROTC program before a move to Sarasota landed her at Booker last season. 

After quickly identifying herself as a leader last season, Gibbons was named Lady Tornadoes team captain prior to the start of the season. 

“Nia has faith and trusts her coaches,” Nelson said. “Regardless of what Nia's asked to do, she trusts that there's a reason and she does it. Nia listens. She doesn't just hear what you say. She is a coach’s dream.” 

Gibbons has since led Booker to a 1-0 Class 6A-District 10 record after scoring 10 points and hauling in five rebounds in the Lady Tornadoes 37-20 victory against Lake Wales Dec. 1. 

“It means a lot,” Gibbons said of playing for Booker. “This is home. The basketball court is where I can let it all out. It’s like a sacred place.” 

Gibbons began playing basketball while attending Harlee Middle School, in Bradenton, after finally working up the courage to try out. There, Gibbons also discovered junior ROTC when Southeast High’s program came to Harlee. 

“I thought why not give it a try,” Gibbons said. “I fell in love with the program. I just enjoy it and enjoy being able to express myself.” 

In just her second year with Booker’s junior ROTC, Gibbons was awarded the program’s highest position after identifying herself as a motivated, determined and effective leader. She also happens to be Booker’s top female Raider and often is recognized for her fitness level. 

“She is more capable than most of the males on the Raider team,” Booker junior ROTC instructor John Ledbetter said. “Everyone that she has contact with wants to support her. She is a very strong shinning light. I am proud to have her interest in our program.” 

As battalion commander, Gibbons is in charge of the entire junior ROTC program, which features 240 cadets this year. 

“All of the success or failure in JROTC all comes down on me,” Gibbons said. “Cadets will come up to me and say, ‘I want to be just like you.’ It makes me happy to know that people are watching and that I’m a good role model.” 

Gibbons trains with her Raiders team four days a week for close to two hours. She also attends a staff meeting. After a quick hour break in between, Gibbons heads to basketball practice for two hours or a game depending on the day of the week. 

It’s a struggle at times finding the necessary balance between school, practices, games and other JROTC commitments, but Gibbons knows her teammates and cadets are counting on her to make an impact. She wants to be the one responsible for turning both programs around. 

She eventually wants to go into the Navy, following in the footsteps of her father, Michael. It’s the one career path that will allow her to carry on the knowledge and skill set she’s acquired during her four years in junior ROTC. 

Gibbons credits junior ROTC with changing her life taking her from an unmotivated middle school student to a leader guided by trust, honor, integrity and courage. 

“I keep pushing because I want to be successful in life,” Gibbons said. “I can’t just quit because if you don’t do it then someone else will. I want to be a good role model and set an example for everyone under me.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].