AVA SWANSON '20 Recruiting Profile

Hello Collegiate Recruiters!

My name is Ava Swanson and I am currently a Junior attending Saint Joseph High School in Pennsylvania. As a starting freshmen I played center field and batted 0.250 during the school season, while also playing on a travel team who goes by ¨Pittsburgh Passion¨.  As a young member on both of these teams I looked up to my upperclassmen and consistently practiced over the next fall and winter. I was determined to improve, my sophomore year I started at second base and batted 0.400. Throughout the season I batted in the #4 slot, and kept progressing. The hard work I had put in the previous year finally started to pay off.  That summer I had an opportunity to play on another travel team, which was full of college committed athletes. The experience on the ¨Pittsburgh Spirit 18U Premier Team¨ was indescribably beneficial for myself. The level of athleticism and accuracy that was set into such a laxed environment let me see a different side of the game that ultimately helped my playing style. This coming season I am a captain on my high school team, and plan to work even harder to improve my stats from previous seasons. I thoroughly enjoy being a leader on the team, and helping my younger sister and underclassmen improve their skills and moral. 

Beside playing on the field I participate in a few other sports including volleyball, basketball, and track. I believe these other sports have better rounded my approach to a new team and an overall game experience. In addition to playing sports I avidly participate in my school ambassador program by giving tours to incoming freshmen or participating in our open house. Talking to people in this type of an atmosphere is a very enjoyable experience for me  because I get to increase my public speaking skills in a professional environment. Separate from school functions, I often ride horses with my Aunt on the weekends and in the summer months. This particular activity is one of my most passionate hobbies in which I plan to do until age restricts me. 

My mom and dad have always been very stern with my academics. If the grades were not held high, sports were never an option. Working hard in the classroom has definitely transferred over to the field, and is something I plan to continue throughout the rest of my high school and college career.