By Derrick Smith

Success is something that everyone works for but not everyone achieves. Not everyone is willing to make sacrifices and put in work in order to reach their goals, but for those that are, the work is worth it in the end. Avery Gonzales says that working hard and doing it the right way is the best way to be successful.

“It has taken dedication and hard work to get where I am today,” she said. “And not taking short cuts or the easy way out. Like doing the full set of reps in a workout and sleeping and eating healthy even if it means sacrificing some weekend nights.”

Gonzales is a junior at Cascia Hall, where she is a member of the track and cross country teams. She has been a member of both sports for a few years, as she started track in the seventh grade and cross country a year later.

Throughout her career as an athlete and as a student, Avery says that she has had a few people that have had an impact on her life and have helped shape her into the person she is today. 

“My coaches are really big influences because they believe me,” she said. “Also, other really good runners in the state like Sophie Pazzo and Natalia Cleveland are major role models for me as well. My teammates are also a big influence because they help support and push me. Father Stephen is definitely my favorite teacher and coach. He always knows how to say things the right way and helps me grow as a person. He has definitely taught me how to listen, among other good life lessons.”

Throughout her career, Gonzales has had some memorable moments, but she says one meet stands out as her favorite. 

“I was competing at the Bishop Kelley Running for Christ meet,” Avery recalled. “I competed in the 800m race. I really took it all in and had a major seven second personal record. It was an exciting race, which I ran 2:24:2 in.”

While she enjoys running, Avery is also involved with a few different things away from the track. She serves as vice president of the Key Club and is in the National Charity League. She enjoys volunteering because she likes to help people and it is also relaxing.