After getting her start in youth sports as a soccer player, Orange Lutheran senior Avery Neary was introduced to lacrosse in second grade by a family friend. She committed fully to the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic and considers it the best decision she's ever made.

"I just have so much love and passion for it," says Neary of lacrosse. "And I've been playing nonstop since about sixth grade. It's been so much fun."

Neary plays attack for the Lancers and enjoys the unspoken trust she and her teammates share on the offensive side of the game. 

"Seeing everyone put their own passion into the game in different ways is like an art," Neary said. "Each person brings something unique, and it all comes together to work perfectly."

As the only four-year varsity player on the roster this season, Neary will miss the family the OLu girls lacrosse program has become in her life. Along with creating a positive environment for her younger teammates, she is helping set the standard for what it means to be a Lancer student athlete.

"Having that cross on our back sets an expectation for us as students and as disciples of God," says Neary. "It's really important, no matter the outcome, that we are representations of God. That's all that really matters to me."

During her time in the OLu girls lacrosse program, Neary has enjoyed team bonding events, including the annual Santa Barbara tournament. Her experiences in lacrosse have taught her patience and an understanding of her limits.

"If I'm pushing it, I'm learning when to step back and take a break, knowing that I can't always go 110%," says Neary. "I'm also learning to be okay with being uncomfortable in situations, and knowing my own personal limits with my mental and physical health."

Neary is a multi-sport athlete for the Lancers and has been part of OLu's surf program for the past two years. Introduced to surfing by her father at an early age, she grew up in the water, making the opportunity to join her high school surf team a key factor in her decision to attend OLu.

"There are so many good people on this team, there's no way am I close to them at all in skill level, but I just love being out there," says Neary of surfing. "It's the best way to start the morning."

When she's not competing, Neary serves as Spirit Commissioner for ASB, cheering on her fellow Lancers and helping to rally school spirit as the "heartbeat of the student section."

"I especially love doing the pep rallies," says Neary. "Even though I embarrass myself out there 99% of the time, it's so worth it. It's so much fun."

Neary is headed to USC next fall where she will study sports communications and plans to join the school's lacrosse and surf clubs. She is grateful for the example her family has set, especially her grandmother, who serves as a source of inspiration.

"She is the coolest person you could ever ask for as a grandma," says Neary. "Despite her age, she still goes outside every day. She mountain bikes, but she has an artistic side too. She and I will go to art classes together or she'll drag me out on hikes. She is definitely one of my biggest role models because she makes sure that nothing can stop her from doing what she likes. I'm really honored to be her granddaughter."