Debbie Gersch was born and raised in Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a B.S. in Exercise Science and a minor in Church Recreation. At OBU, Debbie played softball and was involved in FCA. She first got involved with Athletes in Action by traveling with an AIA softball team to Guatemala between her junior and senior years of college. Debbie joined staff with AIA in January 1991 and has served many roles within the ministry. She has traveled to over 20 different countries and spent 10 months in Guatemala. In 2004, she became the Challenge Course Director in Xenia. Debbie enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as running, biking, hiking, camping,and training for and competing in triathlons.