Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Ava McDonald (Girls' Basketball)

Junior Ava McDonald is a key contributor on the Blue Devil girls’ basketball team.  The lifelong Leominster resident, who also plays for Blaze AAU, started playing basketball in the first grade when her mom, a former high school basketball player herself, introduced Ava to the sport.  

“I like the competitiveness of the game and how it moves,” Ava said.  “I like the bond of the team and how we communicate and we’re there for our teammates if needed.” 

Ava has also enjoyed playing for Blue Devil coach Rusty Frederick, who Ava credits with helping improve her game.    

“One important thing I’ve learned from my coach is becoming more confident on the court and learning to use my height to my advantage,” Ava said.

Frederick said Ava is always striving to improve.  

“I've coached Ava over the last three seasons,” Frederick said.  “In her first two seasons, she has won most improved player by working hard everyday in practice.  This season she is one of our leaders and captains.  She is the type of leader who leads by example on the basketball court.  She is very excited by getting back in the classroom soon.”

Ava hopes to one day play basketball in college, and has aspirations of earning a scholarship to do so.  She also plans on earning a law degree, sparked by a class she is currently taking at LHS.

“My favorite class has been Street Law which I took this year and my favorite teacher has been Ms.Grimes,” Ava said.

Ava also enjoys watching crime documentaries and listening to crime podcasts.  She also runs track and cross country at LHS.