ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Rising senior Max Gerber (Dix Hills, N.Y.) of the Navy gymnastics team was announced by head coach Kip Simons as the program's captain for the upcoming 2020-21 campaign. Following three strong seasons to begin his career as a Midshipman gymnast Gerber will take on the added responsibility of team captain as a senior when the program reconvenes for its preseason starting in the fall.

"I am extremely honored to be selected for this position," exclaimed Gerber. "It is a privilege to lead such a hardworking and dedicated group of athletes, and a job I will not take lightly. This team is a brotherhood, and I am constantly inspired by its passion and grit.

"We have always been an ambitious team and this year is no different. After not being able to finish our season the way we had hoped, our motivation is at an all-time high. I know this team will continue to embrace and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. I am beyond excited to see where this season will take us."

"Max has a strong moral compass that will strengthen and serve our team culture well over the next year," remarked Simons. "Max is a strong competitor on four of our six events which will allow for his leadership to shine on the competitive floor. Max has showed strong leadership as our parallel bar event team captain and also our recruiting team captain last year."

A high achiever both in the gym and in the classroom, Gerber has earned postseason accolades from the ECAC and USAG organizations in each of his first three years. At the 2018 and 2019 ECAC and USAG Championship events, Gerber collected three combined honors; from the USAG on the high bar in 2018 and 2019, and by the ECAC on the parallel bars in 2019. Following an abrupt conclusion to the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gerber was recognized on the All-ECAC team for his work on the parallel bars and high bar disciplines, as well as by the USAG for his parallel bars performance. An aerospace engineering major, Gerber has earned academic honors from the Collegiate Gymnastics Association in all three academic years.