BELGRADE — Former Belgrade basketball standout Gabby Weber was selected as the recipient of the National Federations of State High School Association’s “Spirit of Sport Award” for the Section 8 region (Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Alaska).
The news was announced in a joint release from the Montana High School Association and NFHS on Thursday. The award is given annually by the NFHS to recipients “who exemplify the ideals of the positive spirit of sport that represents the core mission of education-based athletics.”
Weber collapsed on the floor during a game in 2018 and subsequently learned she had a rare vascular disease. After several surgeries and extensive physical therapy, Weber returned to the court 14 months later.
She completed her senior season of high school and committed to play basketball at the University of Montana Western, but further complications and surgeries have thus far kept her off the court. She is still working toward recovery, while helping educate others about her condition and raising awareness for mental health.
“Gabby is an inspiration to our high school student-athletes across the state and now across the nation,” the release stated.
Weber will receive a plaque and a mention in a video shown during the Opening General Session of the NFHS Summer Meeting. The national winner will be on June 29 at the meeting in Orlando, FL.
