By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Avery Butrym
Nickname: Ave
School: De Pere
Parents: Renee and Richard Butrym
Activity: Volleyball
Avery Butrym was a senior member of the De Pere volleyball team that finished 10-2 and made it to the regional final.
As a middle hitter, she put down numerous kills along with four other teammates who were more than 6 feet tall.
The Redbirds’ only conference loss was to the Manitowoc Ships, which finished runner-up at state.
What do you attribute De Pere’s success to?
“We worked toward a common goal to see each other succeed.”
Who’s the toughest opponent you’ve faced?
“Myself, because sometimes I had to overcome self-doubt.”
Talk about your career and accomplishments.
“I moved to the varsity lineup as a junior. I’ve had many memorable moments, but my favorite was my sophomore year when we won the Neenah tournament by one point – it was crazy.”
What’s your most embarrassing volleyball moment?
“At a freshman tournament, I let nerves get the best of me. I swung for a hit and missed the ball.”
Talk about the community of De Pere and how sports revolve around it.
“I moved here in the first grade from Connecticut, and the De Pere community has been a huge influence on my sports career. I have done basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball, swimming, tennis, track and golf. Through these sports, I have learned life lessons and received the support of the community. Team sports has made me a better person, and I appreciate the deep-rooted culture in De Pere.”
Talk about coach.
“I’ve been lucky to be coached by PJ Brocker for six years. Not only is he knowledgeable about volleyball, but he’s been a positive influence in my personal life. I’m grateful to have had terrific assistant coaches, Matt Cassidy and Abby Pfeiffer, too. Overall, the coaching staff at De Pere was incredible, both on and off the court. The players were lucky.”
What’s the hardest part about volleyball?
“To continue to change your game and not be predictable to the opponent.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be?
“Kendall Jenner so I can see what it’s like to have the world at your fingertips and not have to put effort toward achievement.”
Celebrity crush?
“Theo James.”
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
“My middle name is Lorne, which is a beach town on The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.”
Did you have a sports ritual before a game?
“I always loved to blast music in the locker room and sing with my teammates.”
An ace or diving dig to save a point?
“An ace.”
What’s the best volleyball atmosphere you’ve played in?
“It was a home game against West De Pere because the student section was electric.”
What are your college aspirations?
“I will be attending Florida State University in Tallahassee for business. I will be studying abroad in my first year in Florence, Italy.”
Where do you plan to live after college?
“Boston.”
What are your hobbies?
“Hanging out with friends, being active, shopping, traveling and playing with terrier dog Martin.”
What four words describe you?
“Adventurous, responsible, independent, easy-going.”
The coast or the mountains?
“The coast.”
If you didn’t play volleyball, what other sport do you think you could have excelled in?
“Tennis.”
How do you want to be remembered at De Pere?
“As a kind classmate, fun teammate and a good person.”
Do you have plans to continue playing volleyball after high school?
“Nothing serious. I’d like to join a club or intramural team.”
Ice tea or lemonade?
“Ice tea.”
What are three cities you’d like to visit?
“Nashville, San Diego and Austin.”
Favorite college volleyball team?
“Wisconsin Badgers.”
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
“Traveling, married with three or four kids, a dog and settled down in warm weather.”
Favorites
Food: Fudge
Current movie: “Starstruck”
Book: “The Great Gatsby”
Editor’s note: To read last week’s Nicolet National Bank on Ashwaubenon senior Anna Wendorf, CLICK HERE.