Speed.

That’s the threat that Ava Paradise, an outstanding infielder from the Buckeye State brings to the field and at her high school, she already owns several records.

She’s so dedicated to softball that she plays for the Athletics Gold 18U team in Georgia, traveling frequently to play for Stacy Tamborra’s championship winning program and saying: “(It’s) a choice that I made and would never change a thing.”

Coach Tamborra explains:

“There’s a well-known quote: ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard’ and what sets Ava apart is that she is the epitome of an elite level talent with extra extraordinary work ethic.”

“To see the raw gifts in an athlete coupled with the passion to leave everything on the field every day… You know that the sky is the limit as to what this young lady can accomplish.”

Ava’s talent didn’t escape the attention of major college coaches and, after camping at the Univ. of Alabama in late August, she was offered by Head Coach Patrick Murphy and committed to the Tide in early October.

Here’s more on this standout junior who shines on and off the field…

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Name: Ava Paradise

Hometown: Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Grad Year: 2027

Positions: middle infielder

Club Team: Athletics Gold 18U – Tamborra/Freeman

High School: Gilmour Academy (Gates Mills, Ohio)

GPA: 3.5

College: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.

Preferred College Major: Business Management

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On the Field

In your eyes, what are some of the top honors and accomplishments you’ve achieved individually with your teams?

Winning the 18u National Championship T3 in Indiana, breaking the individual season and all-time stolen base record as a sophomore for my high school, being ranked nationally and playing for my Athletics 18U team as a 15-year-old and being able to contribute and play with an amazing group of athletes.

What has been your most memorable softball experience?

Getting a text from Coach Murphy on September 1^st.

What would you say are your strengths on the field?

My range in the middle and being able to throw from multiple slots. Also, getting stronger has definitely helped me in both offense and defense, but especially with hitting.

Have you set personal goals for this year? If so, what are they?

Yes, they are to support my team in every way I can, continue to be a contributor on both offense and defense, especially in clutch situations and continue to grow and build my game in the sport this year as a junior and be nominated as a PGF All American in my senior year.

Do you have any softball superstitions?

I need to be wearing a visor in the field. It is part of my uniform, so I carry extras. Also, I put my glove away the same time every time in my bag.

What would you say is your philosophy in life?

You cannot change what has already happened but can prepare and better yourself for what is to come.

If you had to describe yourself in one word- what would it be in the field? Off the field?

On the field: communicator; off the field: supportive

What has been your favorite place that you have played softball?

Playing in California at PGF Nationals with the incredible competition and weather. Also, going to camp under the lights at the University of Alabama and having a magical experience at Rhoads Stadium.

What’s the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome in life?

I would not say it is an obstacle, but rather a choice.

That choice has been to be gone a lot of weekends during school and during the summer playing softball.

I missed a lot of friend time and football games and many other things. Being from Ohio and playing for a team out of Georgia is simply a big commitment but was the best decision but it was a choice that I made and would never change a thing.

It taught me to appreciate the time that I have with people even more although though it was less frequent.

What drives you to play the game of softball?

I love the game, so that is a big driver. I also love the feeling of training with an intent towards goals and then accomplishing them on the field.

Finally, what’s the one thing or accomplishment about you that is unusual or unique which few know (until now)?

I am from Ohio, but play for a team out of Georgia, the Athletics Gold – Tamborra/Freeman 18U team. I have been playing up with them since age 15. People always ask: “Wait, you are from Ohio and you travel all the way down here to play in the summer and fall?”

I think it is unique and an accomplishment because the Athletics are a great organization and to play for them in the South is an accomplishment as they have a lot of talent to choose from down there.

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Off the Field

What’s your favorite softball item?

My custom softball glove.

Favorite items in your closet?

I have a comfortable Alo set (yoga and athleisure wear)

Favorite School Subject:

Biology.

Best way to unwind is?

Watch one of my favorite shows on Netflix.

What’s playing in your headphones right now?

Morgan Wallen.

What has been your favorite vacation or place you have visited?

Rosemary Beach, Florida    

If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you’d want to have with you?

My dog Dixie, a black lab.

Favorite college uniform (and why)?

Alabama… the Crimson on Crimson. I love the color and it is what I took my official visit pictures in!

What worries you the most about what classmates your age are facing in the future?

The ability to communicate without a phone and have real conversations.

We seem to rely so much on technology to communicate. There are good and bad things that come with technology and being able to communicate without it seems to be harder all the time.

Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?

Steak.

What is your best talent off the field?

I can juggle.

What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two?

I have been able to persevere through a lot and can accomplish multiple priorities like balancing family, softball and school.

Who inspires you (athletically and non-athletically)?

Athletically: Montana Fouts… she is a great mentor to me; non-athletically: my mom… she is always there for me.

When you leave the game of softball, how do you want to be remembered and what will you do when you are finished playing to help grow the game?

I want to be remembered as a consistent player that my coaches can rely on.

I wanted to go play in the SEC, the premier conference, and I put my mind to it and achieved that. I want other girls to have dreams like that they chase and achieve as well.

When I am done, I will train other young aspiring girls who want to play this game.