Batesville girls basketball has always had a rich tradition of championship success and under that umbrella was Abby Kirschner who helped maintain such a tradition in the1990s under Hall of Fame player and coach, Donna Hoeing.

 

A four-year varsity player under Coach Hoeing, Kirschner and the Lady Bulldogs were sectional champions in 1992, 1993 and 1994 and followed it up with a sectional runner-up finish in 1995. Abby was named All-County, All-EIAC and All-Sectional in both1994 and 1995, and rightfully so given the contributions she gave to Batesville girls basketball. The 1993-1994 season saw her average a near double-double of 8.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game along with 2 blocks a night. That double-double feat would be achieved during her senior season, averaging 11.3 points and 11.2 rebounds while her block total inched up to three blocks per game.

 

Abby finished as Batesville’s career leader in blocks at 168, graduated ranked fifth all-time with 683 rebounds and was named a 40 & 8 All-Star in 1995. Away from the hardwood, she was also a four-year varsity letterwinner for the Batesville volleyball program and was a two-time selection to the All-County, All-EIAC and All-Sectional teams. Kirschner was the EIAC Volleyball Co-MVP in 1994. She would embark on a four-year collegiate basketball career at Lewis University, an NCAA Division II University.

 

Abby married Mike Gesell and the couple resides in Batesville with their children Sophie, Molly and Nolan, all of whom are continuing basketball careers. A youth league and travel coach, Abby has given back to the community through both ventures and is a founding member of the Batesville Girls Basketball Association where she currently serves as president. The organization is dedicated to building up a love for the game of basketball for the young ladies of Batesville while also furthering the fundamental development as players.