The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: 'Winning the sports lottery': Gabriel Lyons spends weekend at South Carolina

A dream weekend unfolded at Founders Park as 12-year-old Gabriel Lyons of Lexington stepped into the world of University of South Carolina baseball. Gabriel, who lives with autism, was given a behind-the-scenes experience with the Gamecocks, organized by Dream on 3 and its USC chapter consisting of student athletes. The weekend included a limo sendoff from his school, a meeting with former Gamecock outfielder Evan Stone, a tour of campus featuring Williams-Brice Stadium and a media-style photoshoot, culminating with Gabriel throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before South Carolina's series upset win over the University of Kentucky.

Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons holds up a baseball before throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the baseball game between South Carolina and Kentucky at Founders Park on April 25, 2026. Lyons, who has autism, was given the opportunity to throw the first pitch by Dream on 3, a nonprofit who partners with universities to give special experiences to kids with learning disabilities.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons holds up a baseball before throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the baseball game between South Carolina and Kentucky at Founders Park on April 25, 2026. Lyons, who has autism, was given the opportunity to throw the first pitch by Dream on 3, a nonprofit who partners with universities to give special experiences to kids with learning disabilities.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons smiles while watching the South Carolina baseball team play against Kentucky on April 25, 2026. Lyons watched the Gamecocks go on to win 9-4 against the Wildcats.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons smiles while watching the South Carolina baseball team play against Kentucky on April 25, 2026. Lyons watched the Gamecocks go on to win 9-4 against the Wildcats.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons fist bumps junior left-handed pitcher Alex Valentin for South Carolina after throwing out the first pitch at the game against Kentucky on April 25, 2026. Lyons was given the opportunity to throw the pitch by Dream on 3 and its USC affiliate division.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons fist bumps junior left-handed pitcher Alex Valentin for South Carolina after throwing out the first pitch at the game against Kentucky on April 25, 2026. Lyons was given the opportunity to throw the pitch by Dream on 3 and its USC affiliate division.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons throws the ceremonial first pitch before the South Carolina baseball team faces off against Kentucky on April 25, 2026. Lyons, a super-fan of the Gamecocks, was given the opportunity to throw the first pitch and tour the Gamecock athletics facilities as part of a dream day planned by Dream on 3.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons throws the ceremonial first pitch before the South Carolina baseball team faces off against Kentucky on April 25, 2026. Lyons, a super-fan of the Gamecocks, was given the opportunity to throw the first pitch and tour the Gamecock athletics facilities as part of a dream day planned by Dream on 3.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons gets a pregame interview before throwing out the first pitch before the game between South Carolina and Kentucky on April 25, 2026. Lyons, who lives with autism, had an entire dream weekend touring the Gamecock athletics facilities and meeting athletes.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons gets a pregame interview before throwing out the first pitch before the game between South Carolina and Kentucky on April 25, 2026. Lyons, who lives with autism, had an entire dream weekend touring the Gamecock athletics facilities and meeting athletes.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons poses in front of the Cocky Statue on April 25, 2026. Lyons went from campus to Founders Park, where he would throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons poses in front of the Cocky Statue on April 25, 2026. Lyons went from campus to Founders Park, where he would throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons poses for a media day photoshoot with members of the Collegiate Dream Team on April 25, 2026. The student athletes are members of the USC chapter of Dream on 3, which plans dream days with kids living with learning or developmental disabilities.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons poses for a media day photoshoot with members of the Collegiate Dream Team on April 25, 2026. The student athletes are members of the USC chapter of Dream on 3, which plans dream days with kids living with learning or developmental disabilities.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons looks into a mirror during a guided tour at Williams-Brice Stadium on April 25, 2026. Lyons, who has autism, was given a tour of the stadium and other athletics facilities as part of a dream weekend organized by Dream on 3.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons looks into a mirror during a guided tour at Williams-Brice Stadium on April 25, 2026. Lyons, who has autism, was given a tour of the stadium and other athletics facilities as part of a dream weekend organized by Dream on 3.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons is play-tackled by his dad while touring the fields at Williams-Brice Stadium on April 25, 2026. Lyons and his family toured the stadium and other athletics venues before Gabriel threw the first pitch at the baseball game between USC and Kentucky.
Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons is play-tackled by his dad while touring the fields at Williams-Brice Stadium on April 25, 2026. Lyons and his family toured the stadium and other athletics venues before Gabriel threw the first pitch at the baseball game between USC and Kentucky.
Shown is a pair of custom Gamecock Nike shoes worn by Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons. The shoes were a gift from Dream on 3, the nonprofit who organized Lyons' weekend with USC.
Shown is a pair of custom Gamecock Nike shoes worn by Lexington resident Gabriel Lyons. The shoes were a gift from Dream on 3, the nonprofit who organized Lyons' weekend with USC.