Gwynn Griffin’s All-State Honor Breaks New Ground At Bishop Watterson

Columbus — The 2024 Bishop Watterson girls’ soccer season will forever be a landmark in school history. The Lady Eagles achieved their first state championship and made their debut in the state title game, capping a season of extraordinary milestones. Adding to the legacy, freshman Gwynn Griffin broke new ground by becoming the program’s first-ever freshman to earn all-state honors, according to OHSAA records.

For Griffin and the Lady Eagles, the season was one for the history books—a story of firsts and unforgettable achievements. For Griffin, the recognition was both a goal realized and a pleasant surprise. “All-state was my goal, but I definitely did not expect it,” she said humbly. “There were a lot of great competitors out there, and I was honored to earn this award.”

Despite initially being unsure of her role, Griffin focused on doing whatever she could to support the Lady Eagles on the pitch. “As the season progressed, I was honored to play as much as I did,” she said. “I always tried to do what my team asked of me and represent them as best I could every game.”

Griffin’s first big break came on August 22 against Hilliard Darby, when she scored a brace, including her first career goal, during a dominant 5-0 victory. “It was a big moment for me,” Griffin reflected. “It was my first high school goal.” It was the beginning of Griffin cementing herself as a key piece of the Lady Eagles’ offensive attack.

As the season progressed, Griffin emerged as a dynamic playmaker, capable of both scoring and setting up her teammates for success. Against Logan, she netted a game-winning goal late in the second half. In another standout performance against Hayes, Griffin scored the opening goal and later delivered a no-look through pass to assist the game-winning strike, showcasing her versatility and vision on the field.

Although it took time to adjust, Griffin ultimately thrived in her new system. “I had to learn a new system of play in high school, and it took a few games to get into the groove,” she reflected. “Once we all gelled as a team, we became stronger with each game, taking us all the way to the State Championship.”

While proud of her individual accolades, Griffin credits the program for easing her transition to high school soccer. “My teammates were amazing. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive of us freshmen,” she shared. “That made a big difference in my comfort level on the team. Even if I wasn’t having a great game, I knew my teammates and coaches would encourage and support me.”

Griffin emphasizes the value of hard work over pure skill. “Two of my strengths on the field are my speed and endurance,” she said. “It’s not always the people with the best skill that win; it’s the people who can go longer and work harder.”

With that mindset, Griffin accomplished a feat no freshman in the program had ever achieved, establishing herself as a trailblazer for future generations. She shed the freshman label early, playing well beyond her years and becoming an indispensable asset to the Lady Eagles on the pitch.

Fueled by a love for the sport and relentless determination, Griffin’s potential is as high as she chooses it to be. The 2024 season was just a glimpse of what she’s capable of achieving.