Sue Gapp
CHS Class of 1973
Athletics
Gapp was a trailblazer in high school and college sports. Opportunities for girls to participate in Central High School sports did not exist until her sophomore year with the start of the track program. Gapp excelled in track in high school competing in the softball throw, shot put, and discus. In 1973, as a senior, Gapp became the first female at Central High School to become a state champion in track. Her winning discus throw was 113’11. She took pride in being named co-captain and MVP her senior year.
After high school, Gapp decided to attend Northern State College. She was able to continue to pursue her love of sports. She participated and lettered in six sports including basketball, field hockey, tennis, volleyball, softball, and track. Gapp and her teammates were on the first Northern State College team to capture a South Dakota Intercollegiate State Women’s Softball Championship. This championship resulted in a berth to the College Softball World Series that same season.
Gapp began her teaching and coaching career in Edgeley, North Dakota. For seven years she taught K-12 physical education and coached basketball, gymnastics, and track.
During those years, the Edgeley track teams excelled. Gapp returned to Northern State College where she was a graduate assistant and earned a Master’s Degree in physical education. In 1985, Gapp remained at Northern where she was hired to teach and to coach volleyball and softball. The following year she began working in the Aberdeen Public Schools. She completed an administrative internship at Simmons Junior High and earned a Master’s Degree in Administration. She was then hired to run the Program to Assist Students. She eventually returned to teaching physical education and coaching. She has remained at Simmons Middle School. She has received the South Dakota Coaches Association Assistant Middle School Coach of the Year in volleyball and the Connie Deibert Award for Excellence in Middle School Coaching.
In addition to her teaching and coaching, Gapp believes in a strong sense of community. This is shown through her involvement in Special Olympics, Improvisational Camps, and Youth Power. Being a breast cancer survivor, Gapp, is extremely proud of Youth Power’s involvement with Breast Cancer Awareness. Youth Power earned an Abby Award for community service.
Looking back on her career, one constant remains, her love of education and sports. According to Gapp, “Title IX allowed me to pursue my love of sports in high school and college. Title IX has also allowed opportunities for other girls and women that would otherwise not exist as it is today.”