Focus, determination help Gardner

By CLIFF GILL

NEW PORT RICHEY - At Gulf High School, there is a large plaque in volleyball coach Shari Schau's office. The plaque lists the all-time career leader in aces, digs, serving attempts and good serves. After each category is the name of one player - Amanda Gardner.

"Some of the records that Amanda broke had been around for more than 10 years and seemed unbreakable. It's a credit to her that she has continually improved as she has," Schau said.

A four-year varsity member and a three-time all-Sunshine Athletic Conference selection as a defensive specialist, Gardner credits her success to her focus and determination as much as to her natural talent.

"One of the best feelings in the world is putting in maximum effort. As a defensive specialist, my goal is to do whatever I can to get the ball to our setter and to make sure our team is in position to score. I'm willing to get down on the floor and sacrifice my body for the benefit of the team," Gardner said.

Schau agrees and mentions that Gardner's hustle and work ethic have been her strengths since joining the varsity as a freshman.

"She's always been a self-starter, putting the time and effort in to improve her skills and to help her team," Schau added.

One of the greatest compliments a player can receive is that she makes her teammates better. Junior Jessica Santoli, also a defensive specialist, considers Gardner a positive role model.

"Early in the season, I was struggling and considered leaving the team. Amanda encouraged me to stay and worked closely with me throughout the year. Under her guidance, my skills and determination have improved tremendously," Santoli said.

At the conclusion of the season, Santoli was selected the team's defender of the year.

In addition to volleyball, Gardner also has accumulated four varsity letters in soccer, where she was selected first-team all-conference, and in softball, where she was selected second-team all-conference.

Gardner's excellence carries over to the classroom, where she maintains a 3.94 GPA. She has been awarded the SAC All-Academic Team recognition, given to honor students who participate in at least two varsity sports. Gardner was won this award all four years.

During the summer, Gardner volunteers at a volleyball camp, instructing elementary school players.

"I like helping and teaching others. If they learn the fundamentals and the rules early on, it will make them better players and better people," she said.

Although unsure of her career path, Gardner is hoping to attend college near home and is leaning towards USF, Saint Leo University or a community college. Schau believes that Gardner will be successful whatever career she chooses.

"Amanda is a coach's dream. She's like a sponge who absorbs what we're trying to do, then leads others to do it and do it right," said Schau.