Out of the Water with Kimberly Gero
4/28/2008 12:00:00 AM | Water Polo
Kimberly Gero began her career as a driver during her freshman year, but when head coach Matt Anderson needed another goalie, Gero was up for the task. Since then, she has become a steady force in the Wolverine cage. During the 2008 campaign, she made history with the first shutout in program history. A week later, she split time in net with junior Brittany May in U-M's second shutout.
A sophomore aerospace engineering major, Gero sat down to talk with us about making history, art and the submarine captain that inspired her to become an engineer.
On why she chose Michigan
I came to Michigan because of the excellent engineering program. I was looking for a school that would be able to offer really good connections into the engineering industry, and Michigan was able to offer that. I also wanted to play water polo in college, and the varsity program they had here was really good.
On being the first U-M goalie to record a shutout
It doesn't really register with me because it was just helping out the team and doing what I could. I don't really think about how important it is that I am the only goalie with two or the first goalie, but I am really proud to be a part of that little piece of history.
On her best memory inside water polo
Getting out of the game against George Washington and realizing that I had actually gotten the shutout. Also, last year when we won Westerns in overtime was really exciting. It was my first Westerns, and beating Indiana in overtime was just a really special moment.
On her best memory outside of water polo
The first Michigan football game I went to. Just walking into the stadium and seeing all of those people there -- all of the maize bodies -- hearing the band, seeing the team come out for the first time was really exciting. It gave me chills.
On her pregame rituals
It is kind of a carryover from high school -- I sit down in a quiet corner and visualize game scenarios and see myself blocking certain shots. It gets me pumped up.
On her idol growing up
My uncle Murray; he was a submarine captain in the Navy. We were always really close with his family even though they moved around a lot. He was like a second father to me and taught me a lot about certain things. He is one of the reasons I wanted to get into engineering.
On her art
I've always liked doodling. I just started getting more and more into details and doing certain things in art. It kind of evolved from little doodles in notebooks to more involved things. I have a couple of paintings at home in water color and acrylics. I've also done some charcoal. I've always wanted to take a class in art, but I have never had time because of sports and the demands of the engineering program.
On what she would do if she were not a student-athlete
I would probably take more fun classes like art. I've always been interested in ceramics. I'd probably get involved in some of the intramural sports here. I used to be a competitive figure skater, and I think they have a figure skating club here, so that would be fun. I also used to do horseback riding and rodeos in camps, so I would also check out the equestrian club.
Contact: Ryan Sosin (734) 763-4423
