Athletes of the Week: Gabby Gabel & Katie Lee

Girls’ varsity tennis is one of the closest-knit teams on campus. Senior co-captains Gabby Gabel and Katie Lee, captains of the varsity A and B teams respectively, have led each of their teams to a winning season this spring. The junior varsity and varsity B teams are both undefeated and the varsity A team has won five of seven matches against New England prep school competition.

Gabel came to Exeter as a new lower from Fairfield, Connecticut. She grew up playing tennis in high-level competitions and prestigious United States Tennis Association (USTA) sanctioned tournaments. Tennis contributed to her decision to come to Exeter as well. “There was a guy on the [Exeter] tennis team who I knew very well,” she said. “I used to play with him when I was younger, and he loved it here.”

As the top tennis player at Exeter, Gabel played as the number one seed for the past two seasons. “Gabby has played our top position for the past few years with integrity and grace while representing the team as a co-captain,” varsity A head coach Jean Farnum said before elaborating on what makes Gabel the dominant player she is. “Playing a well rounded game, Gabby can execute not only a number of fast well-paced returns but can also mix a variety of shots throughout her singles and doubles matches. Confident with her volley skills, Gabby is able to set up patterns of play to outplay her opponent—a true asset for any successful tennis competitor.”

Lee, on the other hand, came to Exeter as a prep from Lower Merion, Pennsylvania after attending Exeter Summer the year before. She has been playing tennis ever since elementary school and appreciated the impact tennis has had on her life. “Sports [are] a great way to meet new people. I started playing tennis in elementary school for a club team. It was very relaxing and helped me get my mind off of other stressors,” Lee said.

Like Gabel, Lee has played in USTA tournaments outside of Exeter. In her prep winter, Lee also joined the squash team and found in it an amazing group of friends, and was one of its best players. In addition to being a co-captain of varsity tennis, Lee was also one of the captains of varsity squash this past year.

On a team where players are ranked and play often-heated challenge matches, unity and solidarity are surprisingly strong. There are six players on each team, which creates a tight community. “You would think that challenge matches make the team too cutthroat and hurt the team dynamic, but they really don’t,” Gabel said. “I think that everyone is just happy to play.”

The three teams (varsity A, varsity B and junior varsity) hold joint practices and travel together to away games. “I like the team,” said Lee. “I love how we always play singles and, when I was a prep, I was shy and lonely and didn’t have many friends and I’m glad to have landed there.” 

Her doubles partner, prep Catherine Fortin, expressed her appreciation for Lee being welcoming and patient with her. “She has taught me to always give each other a high five between points whether we win or lose. Whenever I see her in between classes, she never hesitates to wave and ask how my day is going.”

“Katie Lee is such a kind and funny girl who never gives up,” prep Anna Jacobowitz, one of her teammates, said. “In her last match against Andover she had a tough opponent; however, she worked hard and finished with a win. I have never seen Katie without a smile and it’s amazing to watch her kill it on the court.” Lee was undefeated last season and she continues to hold that record for both singles and doubles this season.

The teams’ combined success is due in large part to their hard work on the court, but much of it comes as a product of their hard work in the fitness center. Over the years, fitness instructor Shaun Fishel has seen a big progression from both Lee and Gabel. “I feel that they have been able to become great leaders during their time at Exeter,” he said. “I noticed a big difference between this year and last year.”

After her matches, Lee is often cheering on her colleagues and, leading by example, is almost always the first one on the court during practice. Lower Anjali Gupta said, “Her sweet demeanor and infectious smile make her a great captain.” The varsity B team is 5-0 so far under her leadership.

Bruce Shang, the girls’ varsity squash head coach, remarked on Lee’s captainship of the team in the winter, “She was very well organized and helped us get ready for everything from Nationals to Interschols…. She was a very hard worker and lead by example.”

Varsity B head coach Gayatri Ramesh added, “Katie will leave big shoes for us to fill next year. We are privileged to have her as our captain.”

Shang also praised Gabel for her role as a squash player, adding, “Gabby is a hard worker and she’s always a team player. She’s doing a great job with squash. She had to deal with injuries and came back and gave her best.”

Ramesh also applauded Gabel’s efforts as a captain and player. “Gabby is a fierce competitor and a caring leader,” she said. “The entire team looks up to Gabby because of the way she handles herself on and off the court.”

Her teammate Elizabeth Yang similarly appreciated Gabel’s work ethic. “Gabby always motivates the team to work harder and push ourselves even during our toughest practices or matches.”

Gabel spoke to her love of tennis. “I love competing. I like winning. I don’t like losing. I love the feeling when you’re down in a match and then you come back and win; that’s the best feeling in the world,” she said.