HailStateVB Senior Feature: Amber Gass
November 19, 2015 | Volleyball
For the remainder of the 2015 season, HailState.com will take you through the journey of each of the five MSU volleyball seniors. Today, we continue our five-part series with a look at senior defensive specialist and Ballston Spa, New York native Amber Gass.
By: John Galatas, MSU Media Relations
Senior Amber Gass didn't quite know what to expect when she decided to transfer to Mississippi State to play her final two seasons of college volleyball. Having lived in New York her whole life, she was ready to grow, learn and challenge herself, much like she had already done in her first two seasons of her college career. From persevering through injury, to embracing a coaching role, Gass' experience and leadership has helped her develop on and off the court during her time at MSU.
The Ballston Spa, New York, native began her collegiate career at the University of Albany before transferring to Hudson Valley Community College a season later. At Hudson, she battled through injuries and appeared in nine matches. She led the Vikings in kills per set and aces per set, while serving as assistant coach during her early-season injury.
"My coach at JUCO had never coached a volleyball match in his life and I was playing with some girls who had never played a game before," she said. "I think a lot of girls would take that as 'I come from nothing and I didn't have anyone to teach me.' I took it as, 'What can I do in this situation to make me a better player?' I think that situation in itself, coaching other players and helping them through adversity, that helped my IQ."
After concluding her first season at HVCC, Gass transferred to MSU knowing nothing about the campus. She knew she wanted to move to the South, and after becoming more familiar with Mississippi State, she knew she made the right decision in joining the Bulldog family.
"I didn't come on an official visit or anything. My parents just kind of dropped me off, and here I am. I've enjoyed all of it. It's not quite the normal four-year path that I think a lot of student-athletes take. But I feel that I've found the right spot," she said. "It has been a blessing in every way."
She embraced her transition to her new home, yet it was much different than her home-state environment.
"It was a culture shock. It's totally different. I'm enjoying it and embracing it, but it definitely took some getting used to," she said. "In New York everything is a little faster paced and people don't have time to stop and talk to you on the street. Down here, everyone is like, 'How are you? Where are you from?'"
Gass also complimented the family atmosphere Mississippi State offers. From the engaged student body to the close relationships she has developed, she has truly made Starkville her home away from home.
"One of the things I really like about State is that it's a big campus and we have a relatively large student body, especially coming from a junior college. But it still feels small enough. It really does feel like family," she said. "I feel as if there is an awesome support system in the university, and sometimes that is hard to find when you're at a big place like this as an SEC school. It doesn't necessarily feel as if I'm out in Mississippi away from my family and friends. I feel like I've found my family and friends down here."
Gass quickly became comfortable in her new home. As a junior, she played in 22 matches and earned eight starts. Primarily as a defensive specialist, she totaled 97 digs, eight services aces, six assists and a kill. She also tallied 206 service receptions with a .937 reception percentage.
By the beginning of her senior year, however, she suffered a back injury and sat out the first 15 games of the 2015 season. Amber battled back through the injury with the help of MSU Assistant Athletic Trainer, Julie Martin.
Gass said her faith in Julie and Julie's faith in her made the difference in rehabbing and confidence.
"When you're injured like that, there are times you get down and upset. She was my rock through that," she said. "I was ready to get back on the court. I'm all in for my team and they are my sisters, but at the same time this is my senior year and I was ready to get back and compete. I was in rehab every day, an hour before practice and an hour after practice. I can remember calling Julie at 4 a.m. in unbearable pain. She walked me through what I needed to do. I can't thank her enough."
Amber added that the most difficult aspect of remaining on the sideline was not being able to compete alongside her teammates. Although she was not able to play, Gass relied on her experience in coaching at HVCC and found her leadership role on the team.
"It's always hard to be a leader when you're on the sideline and you can't practice with the girls as much as everyone else. I think I do the best that I can. I think my teammates respect that from me," she said. "I may not always be the most consistent player in the gym, but I know for a fact that I am one of the most all-around people who has bought in. If somebody needs me, I'm always there."
In making her way back on to the court, Gass leaned on the lessons passed on to her by her previous coaches. Having played for four different coaching staffs in her four years of playing, she has learned from different professionals' experiences and applies them on and off the court.
"Having a bunch of different coaches, that expanded my knowledge of different strategies and how to work well with other people. It's preparing me for after college as well. You have to look at everything as a blessing," she said. "I think a lot of times people would think of it as a struggle, but I look at is as each coach has made an impact on my life one way or another."
Her favorite memory from this season was cheering on her team during their three-set sweep against rival Ole Miss. Overall, her favorite memory in Maroon and White came toward the end of her junior year against LSU at Newell-Grissom.
After splitting the first four sets, MSU claimed a 15-9 set-five thriller against the Tigers. Gass recorded a season-high four services aces in the win and was a defensive presence on the court during the winning point.
"I can't even put that into words, especially being on the court for the last point. I was playing DS (defensive specialist) and I just remember everybody screaming," she said. "It was senior night, too. I was so happy that our senior (Kelsey Stommes) could experience that. I remember everybody storming the court. It was a huge upset. That definitely sticks out."
In every experience during her college career, Gass has enjoyed serving her team in any role she can – from encouraging leader, to coach, to player.
"Everything has been so wonderful," Gass said. "It hasn't been easy, by any means. Everybody has their ups and downs, but this experience, as a whole, is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life."
