Ava Branch '24 Recruiting Profile

I did track for one year in elementary school, hated it, and moved on from the sport. My freshman year of high school, after a lot of convincing from my parents, I decided to try track again. My plan was to participate for one season to please them, but I ended up having one of the best seasons of my life, and fell in love with the sport. I competed on the Varsity team my freshman, sophomore, and junior year, and I'm hoping to compete Varsity for my senior year as well. 

In April of 2022, my sophomore season, I tore my UCL on the first throw of finals in the middle of a meet. I finished my next two throws, and began a long process of rehabilitation. I spent my off-season going to a lot of doctor's appointments and physical therapy. Once I was allowed to begin throwing again, January of 2023, I started working with a coach on correcting my form. 

I had high expectations for my junior season, but I had trouble with my elbow at the start of the season that set me back. I was still experiencing pain, and had to go back to physical therapy. However, I never gave up, and towards the end of the year I was able to PR and place fifth in a very competitive district.

I'm a supportive teammate, and one of the reasons I love track so much is because even though you compete individually, it's also a team sport. Some of the friends I made at track freshman year I am still close with, and the bond I have with my "Throwers Team" is unbreakable. 

I also play tennis and soccer, and I am a member of Green Team, Key Club, and Students Demand Action. 

I never considered competing in college, but I have fallen in love with track and would love to further my athletic career to the furthest extent possible. It seems unfathomable that next year would be my last year of track and field, so I would love to have the opportunity to compete for another four.