Gao is the energy giver on her WVBA 18 Adidas team, and her always enthusiastic attitude that was visible as a 9th grader at Lakeside High School remains with a large dose of passion and emotion added to the mix. She is passing an increased share of the court in serve receive, rallying her squad with her communication and energy, and serving extremely tough. The best liberos make plays- even when you think there is now possible way they could get to that swing or pop up that tip- that is what Gao will do to an opponent. She has established a level of trust and communication with her team, passing half the court in serve receive, taking charge of as many free balls as possible and covering the seam confidently allowing WVBA to set up the Pipe attack for their middle back. Gao leaves no doubt that she will do her job, allowing the rest of the team to focus on their role.

The top libero in the 2025 class rankings did not disappoint on or off the court. The Lakeside libero has amazing energy, outstanding skills and a relentless positivity with anyone she meets. It’s a special talent to be able to motivate all the players on both sides of the court during a warm up drill on a wet, early Saturday morning in December- Gao was encouraging and leading everyone right from the jump. Her play was outstanding, and coaches consistently pointed to Gao as a difference maker at the Expo.

Lakeside has faced some adversity this season, to be expected after graduating a large and awesome senior class that led the program to the 3A state title. Gao had her fingerprints and platform all over that title, and has worked harder and better this season as one of the leaders on the floor. The improvements are subtle but there, her aggressiveness and movement taking any ball she can are outstanding, and she saves so many points with her ability to cover. Gao is overhand setting on point and has a command of the court that you can feel. The Lions will be in for a battle as the playoffs start, Gao will have the team excited and ready to compete for every ball in the postseason.

The current #1 ranked libero for Washington in the 2025 class, Gao will compete with her team in the 18 Open at the ECC. Her setting has continued to improve at a rapid pace, she is displaying tremendous accuracy to both pins and the pipe with both her platform and her hands. The Lakeside defender is a true energy giver on the floor, Gao has enthusiasm and positive emotion that is contagious.

Coming off a state championship run with the Lakeside Lions, Gao is part of a talented WVBA 16 Adidas team this club season. In two weekends of play so far the team has posted an 11-2 mark, Gao is the primary libero and covers an immense amount of ground defensively. Her excellent passing in serve receive has been crucial, allowing the WVBA team to run a fast tempo in system offense. Her serve was diving hard to the left watching the NWPL in Lynwood, and passers had to make some big adjustments to try and keep it in play. Gao and her teammates will travel to Aurora, Illinois for the SPVB Presidents Day Challenge, where they will compete in the Open division.

Gao is the top-ranked libero in the class of 2025 in Washington, and the #3 ranked player overall. She was a major factor in Lakeside bringing home the state championship this season, passing nails and setting up an overwhelming offense that dominated most opponents. Defensively, she handles tips and off-block shots, can step in and bump set to either pin accurately, and makes the show-stopping dig on the opponent’s best attacker. Her court presence is energetic and positive, and at the same time, she has the assertiveness needed for the position.

http://www.hudl.com/v/2K4y7A

Its not difficult to see the Lakeside roster, and credit the seniors that had such a huge impact for the Lions, but that’s not the whole story for the 2022 squad. The team had a secret weapon in the hand slapping, back patting, high fiving libero in the #1 jersey. Gao is a leader, who plays with great confidence for a sophomore on a team with many good upperclassmen, not an easy feat. Technically she is quick, reads dumps and tips easily, and has a wonderful platform in serve receive. Add in a flat, accurate serve and you have what you need for a highly proficient libero. What sets her apart is the talk, encouragement and energy she brings to the court, and the impact that has on her teammates. Middle Lauryn Coleman will return as a sophomore and help Gao lead the Lions next season.

https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/victoria_gao1