Athletic Hall of Fame 2025: Christina Gibbons '13

Soccer

Image of Christina Gibbons with a trophy.

Christina Gibbons, a 2013 graduate, was a cornerstone of the women’s Varsity Soccer Team. A standout player from her sophomore year onward, she earned All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State honors for three consecutive years, showcasing her relentless work ethic and exceptional talent.

Alongside teammate Morgan Reid, Christina led the Crusaders to a 3-A State Championship in her senior season, finishing with an impressive record of 22 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie. Her game-winning goal in the championship match, MVP performance, and recognition as Region 5 Player of the Year underscored her leadership and determination on the field.

As a two-time team captain, Christina left a lasting legacy, scoring 63 goals and providing 33 assists. Her outstanding contributions earned her the title of Most Valuable Player, and by her senior year, she was ranked 34th in the South Atlantic region by Top Drawer Soccer.

Christina continued her soccer career at Duke University, where she became a key player for the Blue Devils. A dominant defender, she was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in her senior season. She also became just the 10th player in Duke history to receive All-American honors and was the second-ever Blue Devil to be named a semifinalist for the prestigious Hermann Trophy, soccer’s oldest and most esteemed award. Off the field, she excelled academically, earning a spot on the Duke Dean’s List multiple times and being named an NSCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Following her collegiate career, Christina was drafted fifth overall in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft by FC Kansas City—making history as the first Cardinal Gibbons player to be selected professionally. She played all 24 games in her rookie season, scoring one goal and solidifying her reputation as one of the country’s top defenders.

After a successful rookie season, Christina was loaned to Melbourne Victory, where she scored a game-winning goal in the 86th minute against Melbourne City. By 2018, she was playing alongside a former Duke teammate for Sky Blue FC, appearing in 16 of 18 matches before announcing her retirement from professional soccer.

In 2018, Christina transitioned into a career as a content designer and writer, leveraging her Duke University degree in Visual and Media Studies. Her remarkable journey—from high school standout to collegiate star and professional athlete—exemplifies the values of hard work, leadership, and excellence. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes.