Ansley Gebben is the definition of athlete. At The First Academy Orlando Gebben racked up seven state titles in her high school career, three in volleyball, and four consecutive in the 300 hurdles in track and field. When it was time to attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia Gebben had a decision to make. Does she stick with her first love volleyball or continue her new passion of track and field? Gebben says when Coach Pinder offered her a full scholarship for volleyball during her sophomore year of high school, it was a dream come true.
As a freshman for the Flames, Gebben started and played the whole season as an outside hitter and helped her team to a conference title. In 2013, she switched from outside hitter to defensive specialist as Liberty picked up Big South Conference trophy. Despite, the success on the hardwood, something was missing for the standout athlete. After thinking it through she decided to give up volleyball for track. She says it was a difficult decision.
"The decision was really hard for me because I loved playing volleyball and had been doing the sport for so long. I don't think I've ever made a harder decision but I knew God had it under control. I was relying on Him for this decision and to have his hand on it as well. because I felt God had a bigger calling for me! God gave me this amazing ability to run and to honor Him when I am successful. I want to go as far in track as I can."
Gebben admits she will miss the girls, the games that were fun to play in, and all the hard work that culminates in victory, but she is very proud of her new team. It was a challenge for the sophomore at first being behind the other girls from a running aspect. However, she was in shape from volleyball. She says she has been working very hard to get into peak running shape and it has paid off.
"I placed third in the Big South conference meet in the 400 hurdles and tied the school record. The transition wasn't easy but the team excepted me right in. We are one big family and have so much fun together training and traveling to meets."
Gebben and her teammates are traveling to the ECAC's in Princeton, New Jersey where they will compete this weekend. She plans on pushing herself to break that record before she graduates and knows that with three more years it is bound to happen.
"My goals would be to break the school record. I would like to get to nationals and maybe even farther. My main goal is to honor The Lord in any success that I have."
A two sport standout at the high school level, Gebben knows it is hard two succeed in both. She says it is challenging in college and takes someone special to do both.
"If you love one sport and want to stick with it then you have to be sure. I was on my hands and knees almost every day asking God for guidance and wisdom on what to decide. He is never wrong I know that for sure. There may be many opportunities for athletes out there but if they don't listen to their heart and what God is telling them then they could miss it."
