It was a warm Saturday afternoon on the University of Kentucky campus, and the student community was buzzing with energy. As part of a volunteer event, Gaby Rourke—star goalkeeper, multi-sport athlete, and proud big sister—was assigned to help paint the campus parking spots into colorful, cartoon-themed masterpieces for a local kids’ charity event.

Armed with a roller brush, a tray of vibrant paint, and a reference photo of SpongeBob, Gaby was crouched low, focused, and already getting little flecks of yellow and blue all over her hands. Her hair was tied up, she had on an old UK Athletics T-shirt, and despite the heat, she was determined to make the best square on the lot.

Meanwhile, Jake, her 15-year-old little brother who had tagged along strictly for the snacks and chaos, stood in the shade sipping a Sprite and smirking.

“Imagine doing this,” he called out dramatically, gesturing at her with his cup like he was above it all.

Gaby didn’t even look up. “Imagine being short and standing there talking instead of helping.”

“You missed a spot, Gaby,” he added, pointing at the corner of the square where the paint hadn’t quite reached.

“I’ll miss your teeth if you keep talking,” she said, shaking her paintbrush in his direction with a grin.

Jake laughed. “Wow. So this is what D1 athletes do in their free time? Paint SpongeBob’s pants?”

“Yes, and if you say one more word, you’re painting Patrick’s butt,” Gaby shot back.