Athlete of the Week: Papillion La Vista softball’s Avery Wolfe

PAPILLION, Neb. (WOWT) - Papillion La Vista softball is celebrating a first in its 32 year history.

“We’ve never had an Ivy League commitment,” head coach Todd Petersen said. “So that’s pretty cool right there.”

Senior Avery Wolfe committed to Cornell last month. Petersen said it’s no surprise that such a prestigious university wanted their center fielder.

“It just shows she’s a great student-athlete,” he said of Wolfe, who will have taken eight AP classes by the time she graduates. “She’s great in the classroom as well as on the field.”

“Sometimes I can’t even believe it when I’m telling people I am committed to play there,” Wolfe admitted. “I’m so happy and humbled to have this opportunity and I’m so excited for the next four years.”

Avery won’t be a lone wolf. The Big Red—of the Northeast—initially recruited her club teammate, Tarisa Franz. The Elkhorn South senior committed in July.

“They really saw her,” Wolfe explained. “So while they were watching her play, they kind of saw me too and so I really have her to thank for that.”

The stars aligning to allow Avery a future in softball—one she doubted would materialize before Cornell entered the picture.

“Four months ago, I probably would’ve told you I’ve decided I’m not going to play college softball because I just haven’t found the college that’s the right fit for me,” she said. “In the span of one month it all happened. That’s why I say I can’t believe it happened. But I’m so overjoyed to know that I’ll be able to compete in the sport I love at such an amazing school.”

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