We are part of The Trust Project.
WORTHINGTON -- Addison Gerber has been around sports her entire life. And she has received ample inspiration and instruction from two older sisters.
When in 2012 sister Mackenzie announced her intentions of signing to play basketball at Briar Cliff University upon her Worthington High School graduation, she surprised her family with a cake that spelled out her college choice. It happened about the time of Addison’s birthday, so Addison thought the cake was for her.
So, of course, the family sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Addison.
Another older sister, Emma, starred in volleyball at WHS before becoming an All-American at Morningside University.
Addison, now a junior at WHS, competes in three sports -- volleyball, gymnastics and track and field. She’s a setter on the volleyball team while happily following in her sisters’ footsteps.
ADVERTISEMENT
Obviously, she looks up to those who have gone before her.
“I’m the baby of the family, so the person who’s inspired me the most during sports is definitely my sister Emma. She’s eight years older than me, but we’ve always been close. And just watching her has always been my favorite thing to do. And her connection with all her teammates just made me want that all the time,” Addison said.
“My sister Emma, she was an All-American and she definitely influenced me by pushing myself to be the best I can be. Even my sister Mackenzie, even though she played basketball -- no matter what, they just kept pushing me and telling me that I can do anything that I want.”
Gerber has been in gymnastics since she was 3 years old, which means that she’s been involved in sports for as long as she can remember. As a sophomore volleyball player, she recorded her 500th career set assist in early October of 2021, and with two more years remaining on her high school eligibility there’s no telling how many more she’ll accumulate.
The Globe sports department interviewed and shot video footage of Addison during pre-season volleyball practice. To see the video, go online at www.dglobe.com . Here’s a sample of the interview:
QUESTION: For many high school athletes, the trend has leaned toward specialization, but you go from one sport to another. What do you like about being a three-sport athlete?
ANSWER: “Some of the advantages of being a three-sport athlete are, definitely, you get to stay in shape, you get to make more friends throughout the school, and you get to have fun all the time.”
QUESTION: What will your role be on the Trojans volleyball team?
ADVERTISEMENT
ANSWER: “My role on the volleyball team this year is a setter. It’s a big part of the team because you’re touching the ball every play. And you just have to call all the plays and just hear everything. As a volleyball player, I’ve definitely improved by watching my sister, but even just by doing camps during the summer and doing club volleyball, that’s definitely helped me improve. Personally, this year I would like to improve my accuracy in setting, and even just knowing the court a little better.”
QUESTION: What’s the best advice you’ve heard during your sports career?
ANSWER: “The most valuable advice that I learned in my sports career is, never give up. Because if you never give up, you can just push yourself to be the best you can be. And you can always improve no matter what.”
