Senior Spotlight: Summer Gilliam

New Beginnings//Itching to run off and start her big-girl life somewhere new and lusciously green, senior Summer Gilliam prepares for this next solo chapter. She is so excited to experience new things and meet a fresh batch of people. (Photo courtesy of Summer Gilliam)

For senior Summer Gilliam, high school has been defined by her leadership roles, her admirable dedication, and her passion for both athletics and performing arts. As a two-year softball captain and theatre president at Coronado High School, Gilliam has spent her four years to the fullest, balancing these multiple major commitments while simultaneously leaving behind a lasting impact on her school community. 

One of Gilliam’s proudest moments came during her sophomore year when the Coronado softball team won the state championship for the first time in the school’s history.

“Winning state my sophomore year was 100% my most mind-blowing moment of my high school career,” Gilliam said. “It was the first time in Coronado history, and it just meant so much to my team and me knowing how much we overcame that year.” 

Traveling further beyond that historic, legendary win, Gilliam has taken on some major leadership roles. Serving as softball captain during both her junior and senior years and being president of her theatre department allowed her to guide her teammates and fellow classmates while staying involved in the activities she loves most. What an impressive balancing act! However, juggling those responsibilities was not always easy. When asked about the biggest challenge she faced in high school and how she handled it, Gilliam answered perfectly. 

“Definitely balancing all of my extracurriculars and having a leadership role in both of them. I was also trying to maintain a GPA that was good enough for college softball, on top of also having a job. It definitely wasn’t easy to handle, but teachers and coaches were always willing to help out.” 

All throughout her high school career, she credits her softball coach, Coach Taylor, as one of the biggest influences on her experience. After graduation, Gilliam will be heading off to St. Louis, Missouri, where she will continue her softball career at the collegiate level. The city already holds a special place in her heart.

“Honestly, from the moment my plane landed, I had fallen in love with the city,” Gilliam said. “I love the trees and the cool weather. St. Louis is where my dad grew up, so knowing that this place wasn’t all too unfamiliar made it feel so much more homey.” 

Her excitement and anticipation for a fresh start are contagious even through the screen. Gilliam sits on the edge of her seat every day, her future calling her name, its arms wide open and ready for her arrival. 

“I’m very excited for all the new experiences and new people,” she said. “I’m also very, very excited to live somewhere new and green.” Anyone who lives in the Las Vegas valley knows just how significant the latter is to many. 

While softball will always have a soft spot in her heart, Gilliam already has her sights set on a future sprouting out in a different direction. When asked where she sees herself in five years, this is how she responded.

“In five years, I see myself saying goodbye to softball after my collegiate career and beginning to jumpstart my broadcasting career. I would love to be around news stations and different red carpets and movie premieres.” 

Everywhere from leading teams on the field to directing creativity on stage, Gilliam’s time at Coronado will not be forgotten. From making history with Coronado’s first softball state championship to leading both her team and the theatre program, Summer’s high school journey has been defined by passion and perseverance. How awesome it is that she will have all of these experiences, relationships, and determination that shaped her character to carry with her into this new chapter of hers. With big dreams both on and off the field, Summer is ready for whatever is to come.