By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Ava DeBaker
Nickname: Avs
School: Green Bay Preble
Sport: Softball
Parents: Scott and Shana DeBaker
Twitter: @avadebaker
Ava DeBaker is a senior on the Green Bay Preble softball team.
As a junior, she was a unanimous Fox River Classic Conference first-team selection as an outfielder for the Hornets, who lost to Kaukauna in a Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Division 1 sectional final game.
DeBaker said Bob Uecker is her favorite sports announcer because of his longevity in baseball.
She said she’d like to be Tom Cruise for a day because of the crazy stunts he does in his movies and day-to-day life.
What’s it like being a senior leader?
“It’s a cool feeling. My sophomore year got taken away by COVID-19, so this year, I’m going to do everything I can to make the most of the season.”
Talk about a big victory last year and the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association State Tournament you want to make this year.
“All of our victories were equally as important. Our team is working hard to make sure we can improve as individuals and as a team. Going to state as a senior would be the best way to end my high school career.”
Do you like to dress up or wear casual clothes?
“Casual – I don’t dress to impress.”
Favorite thing to do on your Chromebook?
“Schoolwork.”
A diving catch to make an out or a single to pad your batting percentage?
“I’ve had very few diving catches in my high school career, so I’d love to get a few more of those before I graduate.”
Favorite state to travel to?
“Colorado. I’ve been there in the winter and summer, and it’s equally as beautiful in each season.”
What’s something you learned in the past week?
“What motivates us as humans in my psychology class.”
Talk about a volunteer experience?
“I volunteered with my softball team at the Special Olympics bowling event. It was cool the athletes let us be a part of an event they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”
Who’s your role model?
“My parents. They helped me become who I am today.”
What’s one thing other teammates or coaches don’t know about you?
“I’m the pickiest eater in the world.”
Women’s College World Series or National Fastpitch?
“Women’s College World Series.”
What’s the coolest trend you see today?
“Wearing pajamas to school.”
What’s your dream job after graduation?
“I’m still working to figure that out.”
Which is more frustrating – a drop or misplay on defense or a continual drought batting?
“A continual drought batting. It knocks your confidence down when you go up to bat and can’t connect with the ball.”
Which do you dislike more – a bad score on a test or getting thrown out for the game-winning run?
“There will be other tests, but getting thrown out for the game-winning run is a whole different kind of pain.”
What comes easiest for you in softball?
“Tracking the ball in the outfield. Ever since I was young, that was my greatest strength.”
Best dugout moment?
“When someone hits a home run, and we all start running out to celebrate at home plate with them.”
What type of bat do you use?
“I currently use a Louisville Slugger LXT, but my favorite bat was my DeMarini I had when I was younger.”
What are your favorite types of music?
“Hip-hop and R&B (Rhythm and Blues).”
Fruit or yogurt for breakfast?
“Fruit.”
What five words describe you?
“Compassionate, athletic, competitive, honest, responsible.”
What’s your most exciting trip ever taken?
“Spring break my junior year. My dad, brother and I went on a ski trip to Washington and Oregon. The mountains were fun, and the scenery was like nowhere else I’ve seen in the United States.”
Who’s your favorite college softball team?
“Kentucky Wildcats.”
Comedy or mystery movies?
“Comedy. You can never go wrong with a good laugh.”