Gabrielle Reece facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gabrielle Reece |
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Reece in 2017
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| Personal information | |||
| Born | January 6, 1970 La Jolla, California, US |
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| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.90 m) | ||
| College(s) | Florida State University | ||
| Beach volleyball information | |||
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Gabrielle Allyse Reece (born January 6, 1970) is a famous American athlete. She is best known as a former professional volleyball player. She has also worked as a sports announcer and podcast host.
Contents
Early Life and School
Gabrielle Reece was born in La Jolla, California. She grew up as an only child in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Her father, who was from Trinidad, sadly died in a plane crash when Gabrielle was five years old.
After her father's death, she lived with her mother's friends in New York for a few years. When it was time for eleventh grade, she moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. There, she attended Keswick Christian School and discovered her love for sports. She later graduated from Florida State University.
Sports Career
Volleyball Success
After finishing college, Reece became a professional volleyball player. She played on professional tours for many years and became a star in the sport. Her height and athletic skill made her a powerful player on the court.
In 1989, she moved to New York City. This allowed her to play pro volleyball while also starting a career as a fashion model.
Trying a New Sport
Later, Reece decided to try a new challenge: golf. She trained for four years and hoped to join the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). However, she found it difficult to dedicate enough time to the sport while raising her young children.
Life Outside of Sports
Besides being an athlete, Reece has had a successful career in other areas.
Modeling and Media
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Reece was a popular fashion model. She appeared in magazines like Elle and Harper's Bazaar. She was also featured on the covers of many magazines, including Outside, Shape, and Life.
In 2022, she played herself in an episode of the TV show Billions.
Author
Reece has also written a book. In 2013, she published My Foot Is Too Big for the Glass Slipper: A Guide to the Less Than Perfect Life. In the book, she shares her thoughts on life and relationships.
Personal Life
On November 30, 1997, Reece married Laird Hamilton, a famous big-wave surfer. Together, they have two daughters. They are also raising Hamilton's daughter from his first marriage.
The family lives in both Hawaii and Malibu, California. In Malibu, she is part of a group of famous friends sometimes called the "Malibu Mob." This group includes actor John Cusack, hockey player Chris Chelios, and tennis star John McEnroe.
