East County Athlete of the Week: 03.01.17

Avery Goelz is a freshman softball player at Lakewood Ranch. She primarily plays centerfield but also can play first base. She is the third-ranked player in the country for her class by FloSoftball. On Feb. 23, Goelz went 3-4 with a double, a solo home run and a grand slam (5 RBI) in the Mustangs' 10-0 win over Manatee. 

When did you first start playing softball?

I was 7 years old. My sister (Kinsey Goelz, Lakewood Ranch senior) played, and I just wanted to play too. It was when you were playing all those sports and softball was one that I tried. 

What was the appeal of softball to you?

I just loved the competitiveness. Everyone always wants to win. I just get this feeling of adrenaline when I play, and I love it. 

What is your best skill on the field?

I would honestly say my ability to get runs in, situational hitting. I get a lot of RBI. 

What is your favorite softball memory?

My sister and I won a national championship with the Tampa Mustangs in 2015. 

What is your favorite subject in school?

I just like life science, I don't know. I like the life part of it. I like learning about the world. 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Just to keep getting better. I may have talent, but if I don't get better, then the people who work harder than me will eventually pass me. I need to make sure I work hard. My dad (T.J. Goelz) told me that. 

When was the time you laughed the hardest?

Oh man, I laugh a lot. That's like a normal thing. I literally laugh during every conversation. You can put that. I don't know. 

What hobbies do you have?

Well, when I go to Boone, N.C., with my family, I like to go hiking and whitewater rafting. I'm a more outdoorsy person. 

What is a random fact about you that people may not know?

I'm left-handed at everything except for writing. I write with my right hand. It's kind of weird. I think it was just a feel thing. I liked it better. 

Finish this sentence: "Avery Goelz is ..."

... A competitor. Everything I do, I have to win. It bothers me when I don't. It's kind of how I have been raised. You can't really accept losing. You can always do better.