Kalida Local Schools

Annette Gerding Named 2023 Gene Stechschulte Award Recipient

Annette (Trenkamp) Gerding ‘s role as a student-athlete started with limited playing time as a freshman on a PCL Championship team and continued to grow as she went through high school; culminating in a four PCL titles, two state championships and a 91-9 record over those four years.  She finished a very successful high school career with 1,088 points, 567 rebounds, 199 steals and 264 assists.  During her senior year, she was named first team All-Ohio.  Annette would go on to play four years of college basketball at Xavier University.  

Upon her return to Kalida, Annette devoted much of her time to coaching and mentoring the youth of Kalida while also ascending in her professional career.  She is currently president of Schnipke Precision Molding.  Her oldest daughter, Tara, recognized Annette’s selflessness and nominated her mom for the Gene Stechschulte Award.  The committee agreed with Tara and named Annette the recipient of the 2023 award.  Annette has served the youth of Kalida in many capacities, including coaching little league softball, CYO Basketball and volleyball, AYBT basketball, JH volleyball and currently she coaches the KHS JV volleyball team. She has also taken on the role of religious education instructor for St. Michael’s.  

Tara mentioned both her parents’ involvement in the lives of Kalida youth, and pointed out, “My parents have not only taught students how to improve in athletics, they have taught them valuable life skills; like believing in themselves, teamwork, respect for others, sportsmanship and hard work.”  She feels their contributions will benefit those student-athletes and the Kalida community for years to come.  

Annette is honored to receive this award, stating, “I personally experienced Gene’s words of encouragement during my sports career, and decades later, I witnessed him still offering words of encouragement and wisdom at basketball games played by my son.  Gene’s commitment to helping other in this community and his positive outlook have inspired me, and I strive to pay that forward!”

Annette will receive the Gene Stechschulte Award during half time of the KHS boys’ varsity basketball game on February 4, 2023, against Wapakoneta.  Congratulations, Annette!