Meet Missouri's Setter Heather Gerber
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
September 14, 1998
By Heather Plumb
Notoriety is often the thing that comes to mind when people think of athletes.
They see the attention given to the likes of Mark McGwire and Michael Jordan, hear of the incredible salaries that athletes make and take it for granted that everything is handed to them on a silver platter.
Even at the college level it happens, where mens basketball and football players can be put on a pedestal for their athletic achievements. That makes it easy to forget these athletes double as college students.
The life of a student-athlete takes patience, determination, a positive attitude and great time management. Just look at Heather Gerber for example.
A typical week for the sophomore on the Missouri volleyball team consists of three-hour practices daily, plus strength and conditioning. the NCAA allows a maximum of 20 hours per week for volleyball, none of which is set aside for studying.
Still, Gerber has been able to maintain excellence both academically and athletically.
In high school, Gerber was a member of the national honor society for three years and graduated with honors from Doherty High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., all while playing both high school varsity and club volleyball.
She chose to sit out of high school volleyball her senior year in order to prepare for her club season and eventually playing at the collegiate level. It paid off.
In 1996, Gerber earned third-team club division All-American honors after leading her team to a silver medal at the national tournament. In 1997, she was named to the All-Rocky Mountain Region volleyball team and tabbed as a Fab 50 recruit by Volleyball Monthly magazine. Such a resume drew interest from schools like Duke and Pittsburgh, but Gerber signed with Missouri because she knew it was the right fit.
"I like the girls and I really liked what (Coach Johnson) stood for," said Gerber. "Also, I wanted to be closer to my sister."
Gerbers sister, Stephanie, played volleyball at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo.
Gerber said she and her sister were never pressured by their parents to participate in sports.
"My parents were always real supportive," said Gerber. "Theyve always told me once you start something dont quit."
But there were times when things can get a little overwhelming.
"There are always weeks where things seem to happen at once, like a test in every class and the toughest matches," Gerber said. After one year of college, Gerber has learned that organization is the key to balancing classes and volleyball.
Now in her sophomore season, Gerber will be expected to step us more as a leader of the Tigers, especially during conference play. MU was winless in Big 12 play in 1996, going 0-20, but improved to 4-14 last season.
Much of that was due to Gerbers emergence as the teams setter, a position that had suffered many problems in the past. She totaled 1,193 assists, and average of 10.3 per game, to rank second on the schools single-season record chart and fifth in career assists.
"Heather had an outstanding freshman year," said coach Johnson. "She worked very hard this spring to bring her game to the next level. Heather is on her way to becoming one of the best setters in the conference." Gerber intends to take the Tigers to the next level.
Gerbers goal for Missouri to reach the NCAA tournament. To do that, the Tigers must win the Big 12 regular season title to receive an automatic berth to the NCAAs since the conference does not hold a postseason tournament. To do that, Mizzou will need leadership from the likes of Gerber.
With one year under her belt, she has developed a certain relationship with Johnson, which is important for that leadership role. "This year I am a little more vocal," said Gerber. "Last year, I was a little more tentative. I didnt feel that confident or comfortable with my role. Now, I am so much more confident with my game and I feel more comfortable voicing my opinion."
As for life-long goals, Gerber want to be a full-time mother. While at Missouri, she is working toward a degree in human development and family studies, but once married, family will become a priority.
