Gabriela started playing recreational (club) softball when she was 6 years old, and continued playing until around age 11 or 12. At that point, she moved on to competitive softball until a car accident in 2021 left her paralyzed from the waist down. Her current hobbies include coaching softball and crocheting where she enjoys making customized gifts for close family and friends. Prior to the car accident, Gabriela was planning on playing softball in college. She continues to participate in her passion, softball, as a catching coach for a travel softball team where she enjoys giving players pointers and leading catchers drills. Gabriela was the first Swim With Mike scholarship recipient to attend Southern Oregon University, and completed her sophomore year there in 2024.

An active member of the SWM family, Gabby transferred to Sacramento State before the start of her junior year to major in Social Work. In addition to crocheting, she likes to play the piano, color, sometimes knit, and listen to music.