Ballard Quarterback Eli Gebbie Leads With Heart, Skill, And Vision

Ballard High School quarterback Elijah “Eli” Gebbie, who began playing football at just six years old, has kicked off his senior season strong as he sets his sights on leading the team to the state championships this December. Following an impressive Week 2 performance against Garfield — where he had seven carries for 216 yards and five touchdowns — head coach Malik Prince called Gebbie “the engine of our offense.”

“If you watched that game, Eli was somebody who was able to contribute to the game in many different facets. Last year, he was a wide receiver for us, and he took multiple slants to the house coming from 20 yards,” said Prince. “So now, with him being the quarterback, yeah, he is the best athlete on the field, but it is getting back to fine-tuning techniques and getting those little things going [as quarterback].”

Gebbie began his high school football career at O’Dea High School, playing under longtime head coach Monte Kohler during his freshman and sophomore years. While O’Dea is known for its prestigious football program, Gebbie brought the techniques and discipline he developed there with him to Ballard, which has helped him build a strong relationship with Prince.

“I definitely learned stuff at O’Dea, and I really tried to bring it here, keeping the same mindset, energy, and positivity. And honestly, my teammates helped make it a very easy transfer, and I felt very welcomed since I joined [the team],” said Gebbie. “Coach Prince and I are on another level, even from afar, we know what’s going on and are on the same level. And for my team, I think we all connect very well because we know we have to do this together.”

Prince agreed, saying the bond he’s developed with Gebbie is one of the best in his coaching career.

“The relationship that we have built has been one of my favorites that I have gotten to experience throughout the years,” said Prince. “Eli loves football so much, and I love football too, so starting out from there, we had a good relationship, and it has just been building. It is something that I can’t wait to continue to build throughout our lives.”

Despite only working together for two seasons, Prince said Gebbie quickly established himself as one of the top athletes he’s coached.

“He has an understanding of the game that is unmatched at the high school level,” said Prince. “He has a pretty good IQ with the understanding of how a play develops, what to do, where to step, and where to be. Those are some things that you can’t really teach. We get the opportunity of working with him and kind of fine‑tuning the technical things, but yeah, he is one of the better athletes I have coached in my time.”

Prince also praised Gebbie’s growth off the field.

“Since Eli joined us, he has grown immensely, not just on the field, but in the classroom as well,” said Prince. “He has turned into somebody who has shown to be a leader on the field, in the classroom, and has turned into a leader in our community.”

According to Prince, Gebbie’s leadership, attitude, and energy has made him a role model for the rest of the program.

“Eli is somebody who is really good at keeping a great and very positive attitude,” said Prince. “He keeps things light, and we have a really fun time when he is at the helm running things for us. On the offensive end, we lean on our captains, so when it comes to his leadership, Eli makes sure that he leads with his play and gets things rocking for us on the field.”

For Gebbie, motivation starts at home. He said his family, along with teammate Dro Sypher, are the ones who keep him grounded and driven.

“What motivates me the most to do my best is really just my family and trying to get it done for them because I know they have always been there for me,” said Gebbie. “So I am really just trying to prove everything I got on the field.”

He added that Sypher’s mentorship has been especially meaningful since transferring to Ballard.

“Ever since I transferred to Ballard, Dro has kind of always been there with me,” Gebbie said. “He has really helped me through things, taught me things, and has really been my mentor.”

As Ballard faces more tough opponents this season, Prince said Gebbie’s mindset gives him confidence no matter the stakes.

“When you look at Eli, he is smiling, and he is having fun,” said Prince. “Even when he has made a mistake, he is trying to learn from it and trying to be better. I look at him, and every time, I see him as that boy playing backyard football. He is doing his thing. So, I don’t really have too much of a worry about him being stressed or under immense pressure during high‑stakes games, whether or not we execute the play.”

As for Gebbie’s own goals, he has his sights set on earning First Team All-Metro honors and continuing his development as both a player and a leader. He also wants to pursue football beyond high school.

“I just got an offer from Pacific Lutheran University, so I do think I want to play football at the next level [after high school],” he said.

Prince is certain that Gebbie’s potential will carry him far—whether it’s on the field or beyond it.

“I believe he can play at any level,” said Prince. “Eli will have the opportunity to play at the next level, because I think he could shine anywhere he goes. I am just so excited for what the future may bring, and if it is not football, he is going to be great anywhere else, too.”