LeeAnn Gibson, No. 20 in white, fights for a rebound.

SLIPPERY ROCK — LeeAnn Gibson thought her days as a post player were over when she left Karns City for Slippery Rock University.

At 5-foot-10, Gibson was convinced her future at the Division II college level would be at guard.

So did SRU coach Bobby McGraw.

Until he saw Gibson scrap inside with players much taller than her early in her career last season.

And more than hold her own.

“As a freshman it was easy to see she would do whatever it takes to win,” McGraw said.

The Rock was already blessed with a deep roster of guards.

So the plan to make Gibson one was quickly scrapped.

“We had to make a decision,” McGraw said. “We had to find a way to get her on the floor.

“Being a former Marine, I don't use this term lightly. She's a warrior,” McGraw added. “She does stuff that doesn't show up in the box score.”

For Gibson, who scored 1,456 points and was the Butler Eagle Girls Player of the Year twice in during her career at Karns City, transitioning to that new role took a little getting used to.

Now as a sophomore, she's becoming more comfortable in it every game.

To learn more about Gibson, read the Butler Eagle's sports page.