Part of my role that I've grown to cherish is selecting coaches for our team. This past spring, we were thrilled to welcome a fantastic addition to our Track and Field Program, and more significantly, to our community. Our Track and Field program has flourished under the guidance of Coaches Mike, Adam and BJ, and with our continuing growth, we knew there was one more essential piece to complete the puzzle.

During her time in high school, Avery was a standout multi-sport athlete, excelling in both basketball and track and field. She attributes much of her success to her coaches—ironically, the very same ones she's now working alongside. Despite being courted by numerous schools across different divisions for track and field, she opted for a Division 3 college to strike a balance between academics, athletics, and transitioning to college life. Chapman University became her home for about two years, where she competed in jumps and relays, thoroughly enjoying her time there and wrapping up her track career with fond memories.

Beyond her athletic achievements, what struck me most about Avery was her composure. During our interviews and discussions, I inquired about her motivation for coaching. Her response resonated deeply: she recounted how, in high school, her Track and Field Coaches were the most influential figures. She expressed her desire to be that same influential figure for our Mercy athletes. It's a full-circle moment for Avery as she now finds herself coaching alongside the very mentors who left such a lasting impact on her.

Already, Avery has made a remarkable impression on our program, and her contributions will undoubtedly continue to elevate our team to new heights.