Gabriella McLaughlin’s favorite professional athlete is Simone Biles. It’s not because she’s an ultra-talented gymnast with 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals. Instead, she admires how a celebrity of Biles’ stature uses her platform. She doesn’t use it to glorify her illustrious career, but to emphasize the importance of mental health for women in sports.
She’s discussed it at length on podcasts and in interviews. As a child, Biles was abused and saw addiction in her family. McLaughlin has used Biles’ messages as inspiration through her own setbacks. When she was 6 years old, her mother Rennette McLaughlin died. When she was a senior in high school, she lost her father George McLaughlin.
But the senior has battled through those challenges to emerge as a star outside hitter for Syracuse volleyball. In her first year at SU, the Nevada transfer’s racked up a team-high 166 kills and 185 points, marks that also rank seventh in Atlantic Coast Conference. “Gabby is just a warrior,” Syracuse head coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam said. “She went through a lot in life, which really shaped her character, but also shaped the way she competes.”
When McLaughlin is on the volleyball court, spending time with her teammates or watching TV, she always has a smile on her face. That’s her way of alleviating pain. “I play a lot better when I’m loose and having fun. So I try to smile as much as possible and make it as fun as possible for me and the people around me,” McLaughlin said.
In today’s competitive sports world, physical skills alone don’t define greatness. Athletes must also master the mental game—confidence, focus, and resilience. One rising star embodying this balance is Gabriella McLaughlin, whose radiant positivity on the court has been deeply influenced by none other than gymnastics legend Simone Biles. But how does a gymnast’s mindset inspire a tennis or basketball player? And why does Gabriella credit Simone’s journey as a blueprint for success? Let’s dive in.
The Power of Role Models in Modern Sports
Athletes thrive not just on practice but on inspiration. Role models shape the way they train, think, and perform. For Gabriella McLaughlin, that role model is Simone Biles—a powerhouse of strength, resilience, and authenticity.
Who is Gabriella McLaughlin?
Gabriella McLaughlin is more than just an athlete making waves in her sport. She represents the new generation of players who balance skill with mindset. Known for her infectious smile, positive energy, and relentless drive, Gabriella has quickly become a fan favorite.
Why Simone Biles Matters
When people think of Simone Biles, they think of gravity-defying flips and Olympic gold. But what resonates with Gabriella—and millions of young athletes—is Simone’s mental health advocacy and fearless positivity, even under global scrutiny.
From Gymnastics to Court: Crossing Sport Boundaries
It may seem unusual for a tennis or basketball player to draw inspiration from a gymnast, but Simone’s lessons are universal:
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Resilience after setbacks
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Owning your story
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Balancing pressure with joy
Gabriella channels these lessons every time she steps onto the court.
Positivity as a Performance Booster
Studies show that athletes who maintain positive self-talk and mindset often perform better under stress. Gabriella uses Simone’s example to stay upbeat even when facing tough opponents.
Think of it like this: instead of viewing mistakes as failures, Gabriella sees them as stepping stones—a mindset directly influenced by Biles’ approach.
Facing Pressure Like a Pro
Every athlete knows the sting of expectation. Simone Biles showed the world that prioritizing mental health is not weakness but strength. Gabriella has embraced this philosophy, learning to reframe pressure as opportunity rather than a burden.
The Ripple Effect of Confidence
Gabriella’s positivity doesn’t just affect her—it lifts her teammates, energizes her fans, and intimidates opponents. Like Simone, she understands that confidence is contagious.
Learning to Own the Moment
Simone Biles often reminds athletes that it’s not just about medals but about enjoying the journey. Gabriella reflects this attitude by celebrating small victories on the court, reminding herself—and others—that success is built moment by moment.
Role of Mental Health in Athletic Success
For decades, athletes were told to “tough it out.” But thanks to role models like Simone Biles, that narrative is shifting. Gabriella proudly embraces sports psychology, mindfulness, and mental resilience training, proving that a healthy mind fuels a stronger game.
The Influence Beyond Sports
Simone Biles’ advocacy isn’t limited to gymnastics, and Gabriella’s positivity goes beyond tennis or basketball. She has become a symbol of resilience for young fans who face challenges in school, relationships, or everyday life.
The Human Side of Gabriella McLaughlin
What makes Gabriella truly relatable is that she doesn’t hide her struggles. Like Simone, she openly shares moments of doubt but pairs them with optimism, showing that vulnerability and strength can coexist.
How Fans See Gabriella
Spectators don’t just cheer for her athletic talent—they admire her spirit, optimism, and authenticity. In the same way Simone’s courage resonated worldwide, Gabriella’s energy builds a powerful bond with her audience.
Future of Sports: Mindset First
The next generation of athletes will grow up valuing mental health as much as training drills. Gabriella McLaughlin stands at the forefront of this movement, carrying Simone Biles’ torch forward.
What Athletes Can Learn from Gabriella
If you’re an athlete—or even just someone striving for success—you can take away three key lessons from Gabriella’s positivity:
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Embrace setbacks as part of growth.
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Stay authentic, even under pressure.
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Let joy fuel performance.
Conclusion
Gabriella McLaughlin’s on-court positivity isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a strategy, a philosophy, and a movement. Inspired by Simone Biles’ courage and resilience, Gabriella proves that the strongest athletes aren’t just the ones with physical power but also with mental strength.
Her journey shows us that positivity isn’t about ignoring difficulties but facing them with hope, energy, and confidence. Just like Simone Biles revolutionized gymnastics, Gabriella McLaughlin is redefining what it means to be a modern athlete.
