Georgia College & State University prides itself on its athletic department. GCSU athletes are a significant part of the on-campus experiences students can have; however, when it comes to being an athlete, support is arguably one of the most critical parts of the journey
GCSU’s athletic department provides extraordinary levels of support, from the coaching and training staff and fellow teammates to the directors of athletics and the fundraising staff. Nevertheless, the most essential part of support for GCSU athletes is the parents who have cheered them on from the beginning.
In anticipation of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, the following are thank-you letters from GCSU athletes to their parents and family members who have supported them throughout their athletic journey.
Shipley Smith:
“My parents’ support has been the most important aspect of my journey at GCSU,” Smith said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be half the man I am today. They’ve always strongly encouraged me to chase my passions and give my best in everything I do.”
Smith, a runner for the men’s cross country team, is currently a sophomore at GCSU and the son of Jeff and Elizabeth Smith. He had an overall successful season on the men’s cross country team, even being named Zaxby’s Player of the Week in late October for his success in helping GCSU to a third-place finish at the Peach Belt Conference Championship, and finishing just one spot shy of All-Conference. Smith also led the Bobcats in the NCAA Southeast Regional, finishing 46th of 173 competitors.
Emma Shanklin:
“My mom always makes it her mission to be at every cross-country meet I have,” Shanklin said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s in Georgia or South Carolina, she’ll do everything in her power to be there. I am so grateful to have someone in the crowd looking for me. Her support is something I carry with me in every race.”
Shanklin, a runner for the women’s cross country team, is a new Bobcat, being a freshman at GCSU and has quickly adapted to the collegiate level of cross country. She is the daughter of Lisa and Alan Shanklin. She led the Bobcat women’s cross country team at the Peach Belt Conference Championship, finishing just one spot shy of the All-Conference mark, but the Bobcats finished fourth. She also set a new personal best of 23:50.8 at the NCAA Southeast Regionals, finishing 43rd of 174.
Ella Hayes:
“I would not be half of who I am today without all of my family’s support,” Hayes said. “They have driven countless hours, so many hotel stays, early mornings, all for me to do the thing I love, play soccer. They are my biggest supporters and my biggest role models. Whether it’s my sister making the almost four-hour drive from her school while being a student athlete herself, or my parents making the drive for just about every home and away game, their dedication to being there for me is unwavering. They push me to be a better person and athlete, and I cannot thank them enough for all the love they show me.”
Hayes, a goalkeeper on the women’s soccer team, is currently a sophomore at GCSU and the daughter of Susanne and Sean Hayes. Her sister Kaylie also played goalkeeper for Young Harris College. Hayes had an electric year protecting the goal for the Bobcats this season, going on to be named Peach Belt Conference Goalkeeper of the Week in early October, allowing only one goal in fifteen shots in two games. Hayes made 25 saves for the Bobcats in just over 640 minutes for GCSU this season.
Reina Checo:
“My parents have shown up to mostly every game, and are always only a call away if I need to vent about the stresses of being a student athlete,” Checo said. “It makes a huge difference and makes me work hard every day to make them proud.”
Checo, a utility player on the GCSU softball team, is a junior at GCSU and the daughter of Camisha and Francisco Checo. Checo had the privilege of playing with her sister Divina in the prior few seasons; however, she still has the chance to have her sister on the sidelines as a graduate assistant for the 2026 season. While the softball season has not come around this school year, Reina has had a successful time as a Bobcat, slashing a career .266/.410/.377 with four home runs and 28 RBI.
GCSU athletes are a big part of campus life; however, no one can ever forget about the parents who have supported our Bobcats on their path to playing in Milledgeville.