In 1997, Auburn softball competed in its inaugural season. Throughout the 2022 campaign, we are celebrating the many faces, moments and victories that have shaped our program over the last 25 years.
As part of our 25 Years of Auburn Softball celebration, we're checking in with alumni from every era of the program to share their memories of being a Tiger.
Next to the plate is Anna Gibbs (2013-16). The Camden, Alabama, native was part pf Auburn's two Women's College World Series teams. Gibbs was a four-time SEC Academic Hoor Roll member and was named to the 2016 SEC Community Service Team.
Q: Why did you decide to continue your softball career at Auburn?
Gibbs: I wanted to play softball at a school that I loved and a place that made me happy. Auburn has been a part of my family all my life. I wanted to continue that tradition.
Q: What is your favorite on-field memory?
Gibbs: I have a few, and they aren't in any particular order: Tiffany Howard throwing behind Bianka Bell at second base in the SEC Championship game. WhitJo taking a hit-by-pitch to the head against UCLA at the WCWS and then turning to the dugout to pump us up. The comeback against Oklahoma in game two of the Championship Series. Tiffany robs Shay Knighten's homerun, Madi Gipson's triple, Victoria Draper catches a ball that should have hit the ground in center, and Carosone hits a grand slam to win the game.
Q: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment during your collegiate career – on or off the field?
Gibbs: Graduating with a bachelor's degree in elementary special education and a master's degree in collaborative special education.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories with a teammate?
Gibbs: Cheering for Tiffany Howard at home plate after she hit – not slapped – her first in-game home run during the SEC Championship game against LSU.
Q: Looking back at your career, what is one word you'd use to describe it?
Gibbs: Perseverance.
Q: Who influenced your softball career the most?
Gibbs: My parents.
Q: What was your favorite uniform combo?
Gibbs: Orange top, navy pants.
Q: What advice would you give to current/future Auburn softball student-athletes?
Gibbs: Be where your feet are. Seniors are infamous for being ready for their last season to be over. I encourage you to enjoy your time on the field and finish the season strong. The next chapter of your life will happen soon, and you will wish you had just one more day to strap up your cleats and play one more game. Make the most of the day's opportunity.
Q: If you can give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
Gibbs: Thank you for supporting us for so many years. Thank you for filling up the stadium to watch us at the WCWS on the videoboard at Jane B. Moore Field. That was an unbelievable feeling of support, and I've always wanted an opportunity to say thank you.
Q: What degree did you earn? What is your current career path?
Gibbs: Special Education. I am a special education doctoral candidate at the University of Iowa
Alumni Spotlight: Anna Gibbs
