Senior Ava Fishman is this year’s recipient of the CIF Athlete of Character Award. Being a four year member of the tennis team, Ava represents the best of teamwork in sports. We wanted to dive deeper to know more about this impressive Royal.
What exactly is the honor you won?
I won the CIF Athlete of Character Award.
How long have you been on the tennis team here? Are you the captain? What are you most proud of as a tennis player here?
I have been on the tennis team since my freshman year and I am the captain! I am definitely most proud of the progression I have made as an athlete physically and mentally. Tennis takes a lot of maturity, and as I matured, I definitely saw more success!
How have you shown character this season?
Well, sometimes in tennis, there can be tension and sass. It is really difficult not to engage back and forth with opposing teams who are not demonstrating the best behavior. I think I have been very mature in how I conducted myself in matches.
What are you college plans for next year?
I am attending Baylor University in Waco, Texas!
What advice would you give to Royals who play a sport?
I would say always be open to learning from your teammates and coaches! It is really easy to think that you know it all, but you can actually learn a lot from an outside perspective!
What other athletes at Rosary do you admire because they’ve shown good character?
There are so many! First of all, Milan Smith ‘24 runs track, which seems so stressful and intense, but despite that she is always improving and is never boastful about her successes. Also, I think my sisters Tara Fishman ’21 and Jenna Fishman ’18 set great examples of what it is like to be the best on the team or maybe even be a teammate that does not play every second, but still finds a way to lead.
Rosary’s Head Tennis Coach Debbie Simonton shared, “Coaching Ava for the past 4 years has been a true pleasure. She is a young woman that truly exemplifies outstanding work ethic and dedication to excellence. As our captain this year, she has led by example. She is a coach’s dream as she is self- motivated and always willing to go the extra mile. As a four year varsity player, she has given it her all, all the while caring so much about her teammates and our program.”
Coach Simonton continued, “Her great character has been shown both as a player and a leader. She has been willing to sacrifice in an attempt to improve and try no matter what the situation. Ava’s undeniable passion for competing is to be admired. Her great attitude and positive actions set the tone for all of our 3 teams.”
We are proud of Ava and excited to see what she has in store next! Be sure to catch her holding the megaphone as she captains her Red and Gold team through the next six weeks of craziness.
Congrats, Ava!
