By Derrick Smith

There is someone in every person’s life that serves as a role model. They could be someone we know or someone we watch from a distance, but nonetheless, this person makes an impact on our life and who we become. Robert Gambill says that he has been lucky to have a few people like that in his life. 

“My biggest influence would have to be my dad,” He said. “He has always pushed me and helped me in both my basketball career and my life. Another big influence would be my high school coach, coach Simpson because he’s always believed in me and pushes me daily to reach the potential he sees in me. My MiMi, who passed away in 2019, was one of if not the biggest encouragement for me and my game and she continues to be a part of my life to this day. All my other inspirations have come from various teammates in AAU that I still consider family.”

Robert is a senior at Choctaw High School. He began playing basketball at four years old and currently plays small forward on the Yellowjackets basketball team. Outside of sports, he is a member of the National Honor Society. 

Over his career, Gambill has put in the work and time required to be the best he can be. He says that it is about the physical work along with other stuff that are important to him as well. 

“For me, it is all about work ethic,” he said. “It’s being able to be honest with yourself, working on your weaknesses and improving your strengths. It is a continuous grind I go through daily with my team and myself holding myself accountable and having a good coach, teammates, and father holding me accountable when I fall short.”

As this is his final year of high school, Gambill already has his sights set on his future after he graduates. 

“I currently hold three college offers,” he said. “They are from Sterling College, Tabor College, and Ottawa University all in Kansas. I want to be a coach when my basketball career is over. I really enjoy working with younger players and passing on knowledge that has been passed on to me.”