Written By: Kevin Moses
Gracilyn (Gracie) Ratliff
Twitter: @Gracilyn7237062
Instagram: @totally.gracilyn
5’4″
130 lbs.
Class of 2029 (not reclassed)
Johns Creek / Pike County Central High School
Gracie Ratliff is fierce off the bounce and a strong finisher around the rim. As a slasher, Gracie tries to attack the basket and either finish or get to the free throw line. Ball handling and Attacking the basket is Gracie’s greatest strength. Don’t sleep on her outside shooting ability because Gracie is able to punish the defense out there too. She is a strong defender and can drop nice dimes on offense.
Gracie’s AAU goals with the Lady Splash are to win a championship and get better on individual skills as a team while looking to improve the most on one play memory. Gracie understands if she messes up just improve on the next play and don’t let one bad play affect how she plays the rest of the game. What fuels Gracie’s fire the most is when her team is behind because she hates losing.
The most motivating thing that happened last season that will push Gracie forward was the second round game during the A team tournament that they lost by 4 points to Valley. It inspired her to push to win the second round of the A team tournament this coming season. This adversity on the court has taught Gracie to keep trying to push to win and remember what she is capable of. This will fuel her through the AAU session and in the upcoming season with the goal of winning a county championship.
A coach can expect toughness that sets Gracie apart from others. She has a scrappy fire that won’t be outworked by anyone on that court. Gracie sees herself playing at NAIA/ D3 because she feels like there is still some stuff she can improve on to make herself a better player. That humble drive keeps Gracie grinding hard to get better every day. Not thinking the work is ever done sets her up to stay hungry for more.
