Rebels' Tribune: Autumn Gillespie
Rebels' Tribune features the voices of Ole Miss student-athletes detailing how their experiences have changed since the coronavirus pandemic upended lives both on campus and around the globe. Softball senior catcher Autumn Gillespie, who had her final season cut short due to the pandemic, penned the letter below to the university after reflecting on her time at Ole Miss:
Ole Miss, there are so many things for which I have to be thankful to you for. Thank you so much for the memories you’ve helped me create. Thank you for the people I’ve gotten to meet along the way. Thank you for making me the first person in my family to earn a college degree. Thank you for the laughs, the tears, the wins, and even the losses. Thank you for making my college experience so special, and for letting me wear your name across my chest for the past 3 years. I am forever indebted to this university.
My time in Oxford has been so special, and even though it hasn’t always been easy, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Rebel Nation has always treated me with so much love and respect and I appreciate every single person who has supported me on my journey.
I am so happy to announce that I will have another amazing opportunity to wear Ole Miss across my chest as I am taking full advantage of my extra season of eligibility. This coming year, I will be earning a master's degree in sports and recreation administration and will be competing with my team for one more season.
Quite honestly, this was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. I could not imagine passing up the opportunity to compete with the Rebs one last time. I’ve grown so much during my time in this program and have watched as my teammates have as well. I couldn’t pick a better group of girls to continue this journey with.
Ole Miss forever, Hotty Toddy
