Athlete of the Week: Ava Pazos, Olympia girls basketball and lacrosse

As a member of both the Lady Titans basketball and lacrosse teams, a member of four different honor societies, an honor roll student and an officer in the Student Government Association, it is safe to say Olympia High junior Ava Pazos is balancing a bit more than the average student-athlete. 

Beyond leading both the basketball and lacrosse teams in major statistical categories — leading the hoops team with 10.7 points, 8.4 assists and 6.9 steals per game and the LAX team with 34 goals — Pazos also has been an emotional leader for both, serving as a captain on the hardwood and the field the last two seasons. 

Pazos also managed to cross a major milestone marker on the lacrosse field this season, scoring her 100th career goal. 

THE BASICS

Age: 17

Sport: Girls basketball and lacrosse

Grade: Junior

School: Olympia High

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

Exciting! I’m humbled to be recognized for my talents and achievements. 

What do you enjoy the most about basketball and lacrosse?

I enjoy the competition, rush of energy and adrenaline I get from game days. (I like) having the opportunity to compete with others while challenging myself. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing sports?

Developing a strong mindset is one of the greatest things I’ve acquired throughout my years of playing sports, especially basketball. Having that mentality is the most important thing, along with work ethic. It has truly led me to success and overall, learning how to handle and conquer the hard things better. 

What is your favorite sports memory?

For lacrosse, I would say sprinting through the midfield, dodging between players and scoring my 100th goal. In basketball, beating Windermere High in the district semis in a double overtime nail-biter. 

Who is your favorite athlete?

Udonis Haslem, of the Miami Heat. He was an undrafted player from Florida with amazing heart and hustle, who worked extremely hard to become a professional basketball player for the Heat, played 20 years on the same team and overall is a great advocate for the community.

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

A ham-and-cheese Pub Sub on toasted bread, along with a banana or any fruit. 

What is your go-to pre-game hype song?

I have so many good ones, but right now it’s “Dreams and Nightmares,” by Meek Mill. 

What is your favorite subject in school?

I enjoy history, because I love learning about the past and how it has shaped where we are today.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

My phone, some string cheese and my bed. With snacks and a nap, I’m set!

What is your favorite movie?

“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” or “Home Alone” are my comfort movies. I can’t choose, but especially around fall time, I just love to relax and watch either of those movies.  

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

Adam Sandler, 100%. I love to be laughing constantly. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I would go back to the (early) 1900s, because I love the idea of the Roaring ’20s and the culture that emerged from that time.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

I’d tell myself to trust the process and know that you can do whatever you put your mind to, as long as you keep working hard. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I’d want to see the seven wonders of the world or a faraway beach like Bora Bora. 

What is your most controversial food take?

Pickles are gross, and I can easily live without ketchup. I can’t stand the smell of pickles, and ketchup just isn’t appealing to me. 

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

No way!