Editor’s note: Athlete of the month is released by ASB a week after the month ends. Stories on each athlete are delayed for this reason.
Playing varsity soccer, track and field and flag football, Alexa Avila (11) emerged as a consistent contributor and developing leader who plays offense on the varsity flag football team. This season, Avila received the October Athlete of the Month award.
Avila, who began playing flag football in fourth grade, credited much of her growth to the people around her.
Flag football head coach Ryland Wickman described Avila’s progression over the last three years, especially in leadership.
“Lexi’s always been an amazing athlete, but what stood out this year was how she grew as a leader,” Wickman said. “Before our LCC game, she gave a pregame speech, and after that, it became a thing. She stepped into a more vocal role, even though that was not her natural style.”
This season, Avila was named Avocado League Offensive Player of the Year, nominated for CIF Player of the Year and earned the varsity flag football team MVP award. Wickman appreciates her “consistency and willingness to take responsibility, which made her a model for younger players.”
Teammate and rusher Kylie Clark (11) stated that Avila’s influence extends beyond her on-field contributions.
“She never fails to encourage and lift up the rest of the team when we need it most,” Clark said. “Before our rivalry game against LCC, she brought us together for a pregame speech, reminding us that we play for each other. We ended up winning 40-8.”
Clark commended Avila’s reliability as a player who remains composed, performing well under pressure.
“She pushes all of us to be better,” Clark said. “She acts as glue on our team and plays a huge role in our offense.”
Off the football field, Avila plays varsity soccer, runs track, volunteers weekly at Scripps Hospital and maintains the highest GPA on the team.
“Out of 30 girls, 27 made All-Academic and Lexi was number one,” Wickman said. “She works hard in everything she does, and school always comes first.”
Avila handles her workload by managing time and energy.
“It takes a lot of discipline,” Avila said. “If I am tired, I let myself take a break. I will try to finish work at school so I do not burn out.”
Looking ahead to her senior season, Wickman anticipates Avila taking on an even larger leadership role.
“I have no doubt she will be one of my captains next year,” Wickman said. “Her confidence from this season will carry over, and I am excited to see her continue to grow.”
Avila wants to continue enjoying the sport while balancing academics and other commitments.
“Sports are supposed to be the fun part of my life,” Avila said. “I just want to keep doing what I love.”
