Student-athlete spotlight: Priceville’s Gracin Prater

Gracin Prater, a senior at Priceville High School, is a three-sport athlete playing basketball, softball and running track for the Lady Bulldogs. She is the daughter of Marty and Tracy Prater.

Prater has played basketball for 12 years and has been a part of the varsity team for four years. She helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to their first state championship game during her junior year.

“Playing in the state championship game is my favorite moment in my high school career,” Prater said. “It was also one of my most difficult moments as a player.”

She has also played softball for the past seven years, including the past four on varsity, and she has run track for two years.

Besides playing in the 4A State Championship game, Prater has been a part of a state championship participating 4×100 meter relay team.

Sports is a big part of Prater’s life.

“I love being a part of a team and getting to experience different relationships with my teammates,” she said. “I also love the different environments in each sport.”

In addition to her moments to remember, she also has a sports moment to forget.

“My most embarrassing moment came in softball when I didn’t know how to slide into a base,” she said. “I stole second base, tried to slide, and ended up face-planting.”

Prater has learned many things over her athletic career, but there are a few things that stand out over the rest.

“Sports has taught me how to work with a team and overcome hardships, and it’s taught me to be a better person and work hard for the things I want,” she said. “I have learned always to try my hardest, practice like how I’m going to play and always show up with a good attitude.”

Outside of sports, she loves to spend time with her family and go to the lake.

Her favorite athlete is former Braves first baseman, Freddie Freeman.

“Freddie Freeman has been a tremendous influence on me because he’s a great teammate and always has a positive attitude,” she said. “He pushes himself and his teammates to be a better version of themselves and try to do that.”

After graduating, Prater said she plans on attending Calhoun Community College and then the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in business.