What’s Next For Gabby Douglas? Endorsements, 40-City Tour, And (Maybe) Spelman College

August 9th, 2012 - By Alissa Henry
"Spelman and Gabby"

Source: TMZ.com

Spelman College, one of the most reputable colleges in the nation (and arguably the top HBCU) is looking to add Gabby Douglas to their list of notable alumnae.

TMZ reports that the school president even flew to London to get a leg up on the competition.

We’ve learned Spelman — an all-girl college in Georgia — wants Gabby in a bad way and sources at the University tell us the Team USA gymnastics superstar has become the number 1 recruit by far.

In fact, the President of Spelman, Beverly Daniel Tatum, went out to London and made sure Gabby got a Spelman gift bag containing a congratulatory note, school t-shirt and a CD containing a song produced by the college.

Tatum also released a statement to TMZ in which she acknowledges the school would LOVE to get its hands on the gold medal winner:

“A young woman who has demonstrated the drive and discipline needed to achieve world-class excellence is likely to have what it takes to be successful at Spelman, and we would welcome her interest in the college.”

It’s not clear where Gabby is in her high school studies. Most recently, she was being homeschooled by her host family in Iowa. She’s sixteen, so she may be nearing completion. However, it’s doubtful that college is at the top of her list of things to do any time soon.

 

"Gabby Douglas Kelloggs"

Source: Money.com

Now, that she’s done with the Olympics, she is reportedly going back to her hometown of Virginia Beach to visit for the first time since she left in 2010. But, she’s not there to stay. The 40-city Kelloggs’ Tour of Gymnastics Champions begins Sept. 8 and though she won’t make every appearance, she’ll be at most of them. Not to mention that for the next four years, her calendar will likely be flooded with appearances, speaking engagements, and endorsement deals. “The Flying Squirrel” or “Golden Gabby” (as she likes to be called) is already seeing dollar signs. While still in London, Desmoines Register reports that she told the media:

People were like, ‘Gabby’s going to smile all the way to the bank.’ I remember reading that, and I’m like, ‘Oh, my God, I have to stop. I’m going to foam at the mouth with all this money,’

I just have to learn how to save it and control myself. “I wasn’t the richest kid on the block and my family struggled a little bit. We went through some very tough times. … But I’m so happy that I stuck with it and can bring my family out of the financial situations.”

Everyone says it’s not going to hit me until I go home and see all these parades, posters, pictures of me. “They said it’s going to be really crazy, but just enjoy it because it’s going to go by so fast. You’ve got to seize the moment.

I’m so ready for it.

ABC says that it’s estimated the Olympic golden girl could bring in up to $10 million in endorsements over the next few years.

"Gabby Douglas"

Source: CNN.com

Gabbulous also isn’t ruling out another trip to the Olympics in 2016. Apparently, Dominique Dawes is the only gymnast in recent history to have done back-to-back Olympic Games (1992, 1996 and 2000). So, a return is not common, but Gabby says:

I’m not going to count that out just yet, because I’m still young and still fresh and my body’s still good. So, if all goes well, you’ll be seeing more of me.

Evidently, with her plans of enjoying the perks of being an overnight celebrity and possibly training for another run at the Olympics, Gabby doesn’t seem to be considering college. In fact, the only formal schooling Gabby has mentioned in the past few days is driver’s school. She says wants an Acura NSX, but needs to study for her driver’s license first.

We have to hand it to Beverly Tatum though for having the forethought to pursue Gabby for Spelman immediately. After her third trip to the Olympics, Dominique Dawes graduated from University of Maryland, College Park, so Olympic gymnasts going to college is not unheard of. Gabby may decide to go to college too, whether in the near future or a decade or so down the line, and Spelman already has their name in the hat.

What do you think of Spelman attempting to recruit Gabby Douglas?

Follow Alissa on Twitter  @AlissaInPink

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  • Gwendolyn Crooks

    This uncle tom foolery makes me shake my head. Do you know how many Fulbright Scholars and Mellon Fellows Spelman produces every year? Hell, do you know how many of them are Black women? Spelman might not be her top choice – she’ll have to decide alone, but let’s not talk crap about a great school because they’re actively pursuing her. If it was Smith or Bard you wouldn’t say a think about it. It’s as if some sick twisted way some of you believe they don’t deserve her.

  • Kayo

    Why is TMZ referring to Spelman as an ‘all-girl college’? It’s a women’s college. What is the likelihood that an all-male college would be referred to as an ‘all-boy college’?

    Anyway.

    Spelman attempting to recruit Gabrielle Douglas is no different than colleges trying to recruit male athletes for their programs.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jevees Jevees Russell

    Gabrielle AND her perents need to make sure she’s going to a University that she can earn her degree with a career. Spellman may not be a good choice. She needs to be careful; motives. She’s an intelligent young lady, she’ll succeed anyway. Go to another University. IJS…

    • Renee

      It’s SPELMAN…ijs

    • Gwendolyn Crooks

      You can’t be serious. I saw your previous comment about HBCUs being horrible from an administrative perspective. There are 108 HBCUs in existence in this country so it’d be a great benefit to you if you’d do a bit of research before you make swift judgement. Although some certainly aren’t great institutes, many provide a great quality education and Spelman is by far one of the best – not just an HBCU but schools in general. Please do your research before you start belittling a place you clearly know little about.

    • http://www.facebook.com/jevees Jevees Russell

      Spelman; I stand corrected.

  • Keli25

    Spelman is a great school. Spelman College has produced CEO’s, doctors, lawyers, etc, so Gabby would be among the best of the best.

  • neema

    awwww i love how she said “i just have to learn how to save and control myself” Good on you Gabby!!!! and she should definitely go to college……and she should be given solid reputable financial advisers who will help her make the right choices in terms of investments

  • CA Pullen

    I give KUDOS to Spelman for stepping up and giving her an option to go when her gymnastics career is over. At least, somebody is stepping up to do that at least it is an HBCU. I am sure a mainstream school would have done the same thing and nobody would not have said anything. I think it is a great idea to at least get the school out there.

  • blqbutterfly

    Congrats to Gabby I’m so proud of her and I think its fantastic that the school would give her such an opportunity, but I think she should consider all her options and as she was told by others seize the moment enjoy it!

  • MLS2698

    Will they be offering her a scholarship? And as one poster stated, can it benefit her gymnastic career?

  • NaturalJem

    Spelman is greedy for that! Gabby should just focus on the school that will aide her in her career goals.

    • realadulttalk

      Yeah I wasn’t giving Spelman any credit either–she’s a name-she benefits them more than they benefit her IMO.

      • http://www.facebook.com/jevees Jevees Russell

        I would consider a HBCU to complete my degree. But administratively, I have found, most HBCUs are horrible. I AGREE WITH YOU!

        • Kenedy

          I think she should consider an Ivy League, since at this point, she’ll get alot of options

    • http://www.facebook.com/jevees Jevees Russell

      Point-on!

  • NiecyBaby

    Congrats to Gabby but I think she should keep her options open. Spelman would be a good school if she plans on retiring. Most gymnast that plan on going to the Olympics put off college. If she really wants to go I’d suggest UCLA or Standford. Both schools have great gymnastics programs. Spelman doesn’t even have the facilities she would need to keep training.

    • Gwendolyn Crooks

      Spelman and the AUC, might not but Atlanta surely has plenty facilities to offer as home of the ’96 Olympics. I’m a Tuskegee student myself, but I think Spelman would be an excellent choice if she does decide to go. Currently applying to graduate school and in every top tier program I look at (many in Ivy League schools) I always happen to see a Spelman alumnus if no one else from HBCUs.

      • Neecee401

        Atlanta may have plenty of facilities but why go through the hassle of leaving campus to train 7 or 8 hours a day when you can have a school that has everything you need right there?

  • http://www.facebook.com/jason.f.vorhees Jason Fangz Vorhees

    And somebody please tell her to stay away from boys for as long as she can.

  • Candacey Doris

    I’m not surprised she’s trying. But she needs to go to the school with the best program in the field she wants to work in after her gymnastic career is over. Strictly speaking, that may not be Spelman. Have to think about the future, always.