Getting to Know: Soccer’s Avery Spector

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Avery Spector is playing her second full season on the varsity after earning a call-up during her sophomore season. Spector is a two-sport standout who led her tennis team to the section semifinals and was named the Delta League Player of the Year. She was the St. Francis nominee for the Dale Lackey Award given to the top student-athlete in the Sac-Joaquin Section. She plans to study graphic communications in college. 

What is going through your mind at this point in your senior season?
“At this point, I feel like my grades are in a good spot and I can relax and enjoy myself.”

What did it mean to you to be named a captain?
“I meant a lot because I am not the strongest player on the field. To have them recognize me as a leader meant a lot to me.”

What are your goals for the season?
“My goals are a section championship and beating Davis.”
 
What is your memory of the Davis match last season?
“I think mine is little tainted because I got hit in the face really hard. From what I remember, it was the biggest adrenaline rush. Getting to the finals was awesome but winning in the semis was probably the highlight.”

What did being named Delta League Player of the Year mean to you?
“It was probably my biggest accomplishment. I knew my opponent Jackie Tan was better me and in the physical aspect I was not the tallest player and second best. But they took into account sportsmanship and it was an awesome boost of confidence.”

How do you manage playing two sports over both semesters?
“When I am not playing and don’t have homework, I try to get some rest and get some TV time. But there is a toll taken on my amount of sleep. My parents can vouch for that. They don’t like it. I love both sports so it makes it a lot easier.”

Do the sports complement each other?
“They both keep me in shape. With tennis, I have good foot skills and with soccer my vision been a little better because of ball placement for tennis.”

What is a fun fact about Avery?
“I have very large collection of stuffed animal pigs. We have two garbage bags in the garage. There is definitely a pig obsession.”

What did leading Kairos mean to you?
“It meant a lot because it was a process that was really close to my heart and helped me a lot. I personally wanted to give back to a program that had given me so much.”

What was it like playing for your mom for tennis?
“It was probably one of the best parts of St. Francis. At times it was hard during tennis season, I could escape tennis. We came home for dinner and all we talked about was tennis. My mom is my best friend and you want to have your best friends around so it was more time with her.”

What are your college plans?
“I got into Cal Poly and SDSU so I am just waiting on the UCs. Right now Cal Poly is the tip especially since Kendall (sister) is there. It is a little hard to beat that.”

What did the Dale Lackey Student-Athlete of the Year nomination mean to you?
“There are so many really good athletes, leaders and good athletes at St. Francis who have great sportsmanship. To be recognized out of an elite group, I was shocked and very excited.”

If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, where would you live: Friends.
What animal best represents you: Yellow Lab.
Superstitions: Bounce ball four times before I serve (Tennis). 
What is your Greatest Achievement: Getting into colleges I have been proud to get into.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be: To Fly.
If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future: Past.
What’s the concert you want to see: Disclosure DJ. 
What teacher has inspired you the most: Mrs. McDonald.
What is your favorite holiday: Fourth of July.
If you could trade places for a day with one person: My dog, Hector Spector.
If you won the lottery, what would you buy: My college tuition.
What’s your favorite dinner: Soup (Minestrone) and salad (Mom’s Caesar).
Celebrity you would like to meet: Rafael Nadal.
Who is your Hero: My grandma, YaYa.
What is on your Bucket List: I have a hiking bucket list.