Leading on both the volleyball court and in the classroom, senior Brynne Gardner creates an aura of ambition and compassion wherever she goes. “As a student and FBLA officer, Brynne is one of the most dedicated, passionate, and positive individuals in our school,” said business teacher and FBLA sponsor Shirley Coulter.

Gardner balances a schedule of AP Statistics, Physics, Adaptive PE Peer Assist, AP Calculus, Poetry, and a PaCE internship at Big Horn Mountain Medicine while still maintaining a 4.0 GPA and high class rank. She is a very involved member of the school in addition to her volleyball career. She was an indoor and outdoor track member, and her current activities include being the co-president for FBLA and a National Honor Society Member. Within all of these extracurricular activities, she has achieved huge success, such as academic letters, a state championship in Business Ethics and Management Decision Making for FBLA, and qualifying as a national finalist for Business Ethics.

Gardner has been a part of the high school volleyball team for all four years. As a freshman she was the setter for the junior varsity team, and for the remaining three years she was the setter for the varsity team. Her senior year she was given the honor of becoming the captain of the team, which also came with some responsibilities. Her role was to direct the floor, run plays, and create the best scenarios for everyone else. Being a member of the team for so long has taught her more than just athleticism.

“Volleyball taught me how vital teamwork is along with how to deal with multiple personalities and of course how to compete. I’ve also learned an aspect of selflessness from working with so many people,” Gardner said. When asked how long she has been playing volleyball, Gardner explains that she began playing as soon as she could walk. Her mom was a coach until she was 10, so she grew up in a gym doing drills and playing. All of her hard work has paid off and given her many honors and awards including being an all state and all conference player, a Gatorade Player of the Year nominee, and various varsity letters.

Gardner is still undecided on whether or not she wants to play volleyball in college. On the decision of college volleyball she said, “If an opportunity comes up, it will be very hard to turn down. Ultimately, I need to know that I have to make the right decision for my future.”

Academics have have always been priority in her life. She plans to major in either biology or microbiology. As of right now she plans on attending the University of Wyoming unless she decides to play volleyball. Beyond college, she hopes to become a pediatric oncologist. She has made this career choice based on her desire to help others and impact lives later in life.

In her free time Gardner enjoys spending time with her family and friends. “Brynne’s personality is one of a kind; she is fun-loving and down to earth. There is never a dull moment when I am with her and I couldn’t ask for a better person to be in my life,” said friend Carrie Hanson. While not in season, she plays on a recreational volleyball team. Sports and staying active are very important to her, naturally, due to the fact that she comes from a family of coaches and athletes. Her sister, Taylor Gardner, is a track athlete at the University of Wyoming and a large inspiration in Gardner’s athletic career because of her constant support and motivation. “My sister is always there for me, whether its watching my competitions or giving me the advice to better myself in every aspect,” said Gardner.

Brynne is the daughter of Ted and Paula Gardner.