She played varsity volleyball during her time at Sunnyslope, then came back as an alum and led Slope to eight state championships.
Now, after nearly two decades of leading the Sunnyslope High School Girls Volleyball team, Coach Amber Geer has officially retired her position as head varsity coach.
During her time as head coach, she’s guided many young women with encouragement, discipline, and care.
Girls who played under Geer said her leadership shaped not only their skills on the court, but who they have become as people.
Junior Hayes Haan said, “Coach is the kindest person. She really had a lot of confidence in me, as well as our team, and was extremely encouraging.”
Her impact wasn’t just about winning games though.
Haans added that Geer “taught me life skills and helped me grow to become a better player and person off the court.” Not only did Geer help these girls while on the court, but she’s inspired them for life.
Many players said the life lessons Geer taught will stay with them long after they graduate high school.
Junior Gianna Watson said the biggest lesson she learned from Geer was that “Nothing is handed to you, and you will always have to work for it.”
Along with great discipline, Geer brought them joy.
Watson recalled, “The team bonding with painting the turtles was a lot of fun, and it was a really good idea. I just love the energy that she gave.”
Geer was also known for her calm, but confident style of coaching.
Players said she didn’t need to yell to get her point across, and that her belief in them made the biggest difference.
She made practices challenging, but always balanced it with encouragement, and that energy made her team motivated to push through.
Geer’s former players said her consistency defined her coaching, and she showed up every day with the same focus and passion.
Whether it was a tournament, or just a practice, Geer reminded her player that effort and good attitudes mattered just as much as the final score.
Those lessons, the girls said, will stick with them long after Sunnyslope.
Though Geer is stepping away, Sunnyslope isn’t stopping.
New Varsity Volleyball Head Coach Laurel Place will continue to encourage these girls and make them great players.
Sophomore Ava Martinez said the transition to a new coach has brought changes, but positive ones.
Martinez said, “It’s just the culture-change and adapting to her new techniques.”
She described the new coach’s style “like tough love…she wants the best for the team, no matter what.”
It’s a bittersweet goodbye.
Geer herself said, “I feel like the players always put a smile on my face and made my day better when I was around them. Even though I am not coaching indoor volleyball, it’s a big part of me, and I will always support and cheer the program on.”
Losing Coach Geer feels like disbanding a family, but Sunnyslope Volleyball welcomes Coach Place with open arms, in hopes of fostering a new and equally great connection with the team.
