Gilbert is an author, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and winner of numerous national and international races, is the founder and principal coach of Gilbert's Gazelles and the head cross country and track coach at St. Andrew's Episcopal School. Gilbert was a national champion in Burundi while still in high school. On October 21st, 1993, members of the Hutu tribe rounded up the members of the Tutsi tribe (one of whom was Gilbert) at the school Gilbert was attending and beat them and burned them alive in a hut. Gilbert was the only survivor, running, while on fire, to freedom. After going to school in Georgia, Gilbert was recruited by Abilene Christian University where he earned All-America honors six times. In 1999, he was the Lonestar Conference Champion in the 1500 meters as well as in the 8k Cross Country distance. Gilbert won 800m indoor championships in 1999. Gilbert has competed in 1995 and 1997 World University Games respectively in Japan and Italy. He also participated in 1997 Chiba Ekiden Relays in Japan while representing Burundi. Since becoming the head XC coach at St. Andrew's Episcopal school in 2007, the boys’ varsity team has moved from last place in its conference division to the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Southwest Preparatory Conference XC Champions!

Former University of Texas-Austin track and field jumper Jarard Bruner, serves as a coach within the same event for the Highlanders.