Caitlyn Gable: Forever a Ram
Bluefield University student and softball player Caitlyn Gable passed away in her sleep on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. Gable suffered from epilepsy throughout her life, but persevered through it. BU lost a close-knit softball family member, and the BU community mourns her tragic passing.
Former BU softball player Hannah Taylor grew close to Gable during her semesters at BU as she was her roommate for one semester. When asked how Caitlyn was influential to the team, Taylor said, “She was influential to the team because she was a hard worker. She would always ask for extra reps and want to stay after practice to get some more swings in.”
Taylor added that she will miss a lot about her friend, including her passion for service above self.
“I will remember Caitlyn as my roommate who always wanted to watch Harry Potter or Marvel movies, who communicated through TikTok, and who would always put others before herself,” she said.
Not only was Gable loved by her teammates, but also by her coach, Baylee Allen. Allen said Gable stood out as a player and a student.
“Caitlyn was loved by everyone — teammates, professors, and work-studies,” Allen said. “Athletic Director Corey Mullins read one of my player’s speeches at the volleyball event last Thursday, and my player described her perfectly. She had the Ram EFFORT that everyone talks about around campus. She was the type of player a coach wanted on their team. She would do anything asked of her and was always asking to do more reps.”
Allen added that the team misses Gable very much, and they can see how her passing has affected the players daily and how it has motivated them to have a standout year to make Gable proud.
Gable will forever be remembered as having the Ram EFFORT and will always be a part of the BU family. In fact, since her passing the softball team has had multiple ideas for honoring Gable throughout the season. A few ideas include hanging her jersey in the dugout at away games, wearing purple and black glitter on their eyes, and having Gable’s mom throw out the first pitch at the team’s first home game.
The BU women’s volleyball team paid tribute to Gable during a home match on Thursday, September 9. They had fellow teammates of Gable speak at the event; they sold purple bracelets for $2 each; they raised $650 to donate to the Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina. To contribute to the efforts to end epilepsy, make a gift in Gable’s honor at the National Epilepsy Foundation website.
Photos courtesy of bcrams.com and Rampage student photographer Nathan LePere.