- October 17, 2024
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Foundation Academy senior Avery Bangsund, a West Virginia Wesleyan women’s soccer commit, is a seven-time All-District team selection for the Lions girls soccer team — having played on varsity since the sixth grade — and was named team captain last season.
In addition to being a key player on the soccer team, she also is a member of the Foundation cross-country, the track-and-field and weightlifting teams. Beyond her four-sport schedule, Bangsund also finds time to participate in a litany of extracurricular activities, such as being the president of the school’s Quill and Scroll International Honors Society, the co-president of the culinary club, and parliamentarian of both the environmental club and the Daughters Growing in Grace Bible Study group. She also is a member of the Student Leadership Institute, AV club, spirit club, Spanish club and literature club — and participates in a variety of faith-based activities and groups.
And if that wasn’t enough, she also took some time this past summer break to participate in the Observer’s Summer School Zone program.
Age: 18
Sport: Girls soccer
Grade: Senior
School: Foundation Academy
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
It feels so surreal, because all of the hard work I have been putting in all my life is finally showing through. With everything that is happening, I just feel like I am accomplishing all I have worked toward and can’t wait to see where it leads me.
What do you like the most about soccer?
I like (its) complexity ... and how every small thing ultimately works together to create this beautiful game that so many love to watch and play.
What is your biggest goal for this season?
I want to enjoy my last year with my team, win as many games as we can and win districts. Another goal I have this season is to improve as a player.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from soccer?
Soccer has taught me how to adapt to my surroundings and also has given me the courage to step outside of my comfort zone to try skills I may not be good at.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is Tim Tebow, because he was not only really good at his sport but also used his platform to share God’s word.
Favorite soccer memory?
Winning districts when I was in ninth grade. It was the first time we had won since I had been on the team, and everyone was so excited. It was a moment where the whole team saw their hard work pay off, and it gave us motivation to go win it again the year after.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
A Gatorade, Body Armor or Vitamin Water with a turkey sandwich. I also like to have M&M’s as a little sugar boost.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Math, because I love the feeling of knowing what I am doing and understanding how I can use it in the real world.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
A water bottle, flint, so I can make fire, and a genie to make wishes for more things I might need.
What is your favorite movie?
“Knives Out,” because I love watching mystery movies.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
One of Jesus’ apostles. I would ask them what it was like to live and be taught by Jesus.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I would want to go back to the 1980s because of the amazing music.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Be yourself. Not everyone is going to like you or be nice to you, so just keep being the best version of you.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
How many countries have we visited and where have we been?
Who is your favorite superhero?
Spider-Man, because he is a teenager going through life like I am while also dealing with trying to save the world.
Who is your favorite supervillain?
Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz from the TV show “Phineas and Ferb,” because he was the funniest villain from my childhood.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to the Maldives to stay in the water, Rome to see all the pretty views and Scotland to see highland cows.
What is your most controversial food take?
I love eating lemons straight up.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Pizza is a personal decision; you do you.
