By Brandie Gay
Dalana Gay, Senior
Dalana Gay, a senior at Van-Far High School, is a name synonymous with resilience and excellence. Daughter of Jeff and Brandie Gay, and sister to Jace Gay, Dalana’s journey through high school has been nothing short of remarkable.
Dalana had an impressive start to her high school sports career at Van-Far High School. During her freshman and sophomore years, she made significant contributions to both the softball and basketball teams. Her performance earned her recognition and accolades, setting a strong foundation for her subsequent achievements.
From the moment she stepped onto the field as a freshman, Dalana made her mark by lettering in softball and earning the title of Rookie of the Year in both softball and basketball. Her athletic ability was matched by her academic achievements, as she was named Academic All-State and Academic All-Conference for three consecutive years in softball, earning numerous awards and recognition in softball and basketball, including Pitcher of the Year and MVP.
Dalana’s dedication extended beyond sports; she was an active member of the FFA for three years, an A+ student, a member of the Honor Society, consistently making the honor roll and a Van-Far Student Ambassador.
Her sophomore year brought new challenges and triumphs. Because there were not enough players for a baseball team, Dalana showcased her versatility by joining the team. Despite the switch, she continued to excel playing first base for the Indians. She also gave back to her community by umpiring the local Little League games.
However, Dalana’s journey was not without its hurdles. After a successful travel ball season, playing through the pain all year in school and travel, she suffered a bulged disk in her lower back, forcing her to take her junior year off from all sports. This injury was a significant setback for someone who thrived on being a dual-sport athlete, participating in softball, basketball, track, and baseball. The constant activity had taken a toll on her body, and she found herself in a back brace for four months.
But Dalana’s spirit remained unbroken. Through rigorous physical therapy and sheer determination, she fought her way back to the field. By the time summer travel ball rolled around, she was ready to play again. Her senior year saw her return to softball, the sport she chose to focus on after her injury. But yet again, her body told her to slow down as she suffered a foot injury mid-year, but continued to pay through it to finish out her softball career as a senior and captain at Van-Far.
Looking ahead, Dalana aspires to share her love for the game one day by coaching softball. Additionally, she has set her sights on a career in real estate after school.
Dalana’s story is one of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering passion for sports and academics. She has shown that with hard work and resilience, one can overcome even the most daunting challenges. As she prepares to graduate, Dalana leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration at Van-Far High School.