Gerstenberg grew up in Birkenwerder, Germany, and played youth football with 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam. In June 2019, Gerstenberg was promoted to the first team of 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam ahead of the 2019–20 season, alongside Marie Höbinger and Sophie Weidauer. At just 16 years old, Gerstenberg had already trained with the senior squad during the previous season and expressed excitement about the challenge of gaining experience at the top level.[2]
College career
Gerstenberg attended Indiana University from 2021 to 2024, making 67 appearances and earning 30 career shutouts—the most in program history. She posted a career goals against average (GAA) of 0.81 and made 185 saves.
As a freshman in 2021, Gerstenberg tied the Indiana single-season shutout record with nine and earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. She finished the season with a 0.49 GAA.
She continued her strong performances through her sophomore and junior seasons, recording multiple Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week honors and setting the program’s all-time shutout record. In 2023, she was named Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year and helped lead Indiana to the NCAA Tournament.
In her senior season, she played 17 matches, registered five shutouts, and concluded her collegiate career with the best statistical resume of any goalkeeper in school history.[3]
Gerstenberg has also represented Germany at the U17 and U19 levels. She competed in UEFA youth competitions during her time with the national program.[6]
