Covington High graduate Gloria Darby excelled during her career as a member of the Lady Lions track team participating in the shot put and discus events. Darby qualified for the state meet three consecutive years, competing in the shot put.

As a senior, she finished third in the state meet held at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge with a distance of 39-4. As a junior, she earned a fifth place finish in the shot put, establishing a personal best distance of 40-1. Darby took second spot as a sophomore, throwing 38-9.5.

Darby, who celebrates her 18th birthday today, said it was a tremendous honor representing Covington High as a member of the track team.

Gloria Darby

“It has meant an awful lot to me to be a part of Covington High. I love the competition. It motivates me to do my best all the time. It was a tremendous feeling walking across the stage receiving my diploma,” Darby said.

“The shot put is my favorite event. I was only a shot putter in junior high before I started throwing the discus in high school.”

What do you enjoy most about your sport? Honestly, I just have a passion for track. It has been that way since junior high. I have loved throwing the shot put since then.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? I love the competition and the enjoyment it offers.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? It is a big responsibility. I never wanted to be cocky and always wanted to carry myself in a positive way. I made lots of great friends and just wanted to be there for them.

Most memorable accomplishment in sports? Making it to the state finals three years in a row in the shot put was my biggest accomplishment.

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? Coach Allie Smith. He is a big time motivator and always pushes you in a positive way to do your best.

Who is your favorite athlete? Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.

Favorite team? Los Angeles Lakers.

What is your favorite subject in school? Math.

Plans after high school/college major? Is planning on attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Plans on majoring in business economics.

Favorite sports movie/TV show/actor/actress? “Remember the Titans,” “The Game.”

Denzel Washington and Angela Bassett.

Favorite type of music? Rhythm and blues.

Favorite food dish? Lasagna.

Best vacation? My senior trip to Disneyworld.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? I love being around the friendly people, who are so outgoing.

Hobbies/volunteering: I enjoy listening to music. I enjoy being silly, trying to dance when I know I can’t. I volunteer with Toys for Tots at the Covington Community Center.

I also enjoy volunteering at Rose Hill Baptist Church in Covington.

Parents: Joseph and Freda Darby of Covington.