BE LIKE: GABRIELLA

Meet Gabriella!

A competitive swimmer since the age of six, a volunteer athletic trainer, and a future biology major on the pre-med track, she completely redefines what it means to be a modern multi-hyphenate.

Seamlessly blending high-performance athleticism with a relaxed, go-with-the-flow coastal aesthetic, Gabriella brings an electric, fresh energy to the runway and the camera alike.

Whether she’s diving into open waters with sharks in Hawaii, cheering in a sea of roaring hockey fans, or stepping into the studio, she approaches life with passion, purpose, and unparalleled focus.

Get to know the girl behind the drive, the discipline, and the effortless beachside style in our latest Be Likefeature.

Diving Into the Deep End

“You’ve been a competitive swimmer since you were six years old, so the water is clearly your second home. How do you think years of competitive swimming have shaped your discipline and mindset when it comes to stepping in front of the camera?”

"Modeling and swimming are very different atmospheres. While both can be competitive, I choose to approach modeling from a more lighthearted angle. Modeling allows me to slip into different mindsets depending on the shoot, the designer, or the type of runway show."

Facing the Ultimate Fin-atic Experience

“Most people have ‘swimming with sharks’ on a bucket list they never actually touch, but you recently went open-water shark swimming in Hawaii! What was that exact moment like when you first submerged, and what draws you to sharks as your favorite marine animal?”

"Swimming with sharks was a very peaceful experience for me. Sharks are fascinating creatures and have been one of my favorite animals since I was a little girl. I think they’re very misunderstood, disrespected, and mistreated; we need to do more research on them and appreciate them more."

Championship Energy

“We hear you’re a massive hockey fan, and your favorite team just brought home the Stanley Cup! What is it about the energy of a live hockey game that hooks you, and what was the atmosphere like cheering them on to victory this season?”

"Hockey is a very fast-paced and aggressive sport—I love that anything can happen at any time. Hurricane fans are incredibly passionate and rowdy. We love our players and coaches; we have the nickname 'Caniacs' for a reason! Being at the Stanley Cup Playoff games was so fun and exciting. A regular season game is already a loud, electric atmosphere, but for the Stanley Cup? Multiply that by 100! Our home stadium was ranked the hardest venue for visiting teams to play in, and a large part of that is absolutely because of the fans."

Leadership From the Sidelines

“As a rising high school senior, you’re also a volunteer athletic trainer for your school’s sports teams. What has that experience taught you about teamwork, leadership, and supporting your peers?”

"Being an athletic trainer for multiple sports teams has taught me that teamwork is one of the most important things a person can value. The power of support is massive—it's what enables the players to do what they do. It’s not just the players who matter; it’s a total team effort from everyone. Trainers, management, coaches, fans—everyone makes an impact."

From the Beach to the Lab

“Looking ahead to college, you’re planning to major in Biology. Is there a specific area you’re most passionate about exploring—perhaps Marine Biology, given your love for the ocean—and how do you hope to balance your academic goals with modeling?”

"Looking ahead, I’m planning on taking the pre-med route in biology, but I'm not set on a specific type of practice yet. There are a lot of things to consider, and I’m not quite at that stage of my life just yet. While in college, academics will be my priority as I hope to achieve high-quality work, but I will definitely still be working in the modeling industry whenever I can."

The Perfect Coastal Escape

“When you aren't training, studying, or modeling, you can usually be found at the beach. Describe your absolute perfect, ideal day by the ocean. What’s the playlist, the vibe, and the outfit?”

"A perfect day at the beach for me starts with waking up early and heading to the gym, followed by tanning for the rest of the day (usually in Kulani Kinis). Then, we love taking the boat out to another island for dinner. The island I typically go to doesn’t have any restaurants, so it always turns into a fun boating adventure for good food."

The Next Chapter

“Joining Spotlight Models as our latest feature is such an exciting milestone. With your 18th birthday on the horizon and college just around the corner, what are you most excited to discover about yourself in this next big chapter of your life?”

"I’m most excited to just see where life takes me. I tend to be a very go-with-the-flow kind of person. Whether it’s studying abroad or embarking on a new adventure, I’m just looking forward to the journey."

WANT TO BE FEATURED?

At Spotlight Models, we celebrate unique stories, diverse passions, and the incredible individuals who bring clothes and concepts to life. Whether you’re an athlete, an academic, an artist, a model or all of the above—we want to hear your story.

If you are a model or creator interested in being our next Be Like editorial feature, we want to connect with you. DM us on Instagram or spotlightmodels.org to share your journey.

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