SALT LAKE CITY — May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and KSL is highlighting a Samoan softball player from Rose Park, Huntyr Ava.
Ava played for West High, then became a powerhouse at Brigham Young University. Now, she’s back coaching the next generation and preparing to represent American Samoa at the LA 2028 Olympics.
Ava's passion for the sport
For Ava, softball was never just a sport.
“The reason why I fell in love with softball was because I got to grow up playing with my best friends,” Ava said.
Coaching and record-breaking career
Ava was a two-time state champion at West High and set a state record with 56 home runs before becoming one of BYU’s most decorated first basemen. Now the former Cougar is giving back, coaching at her alma mater. Drawing from the teachings of her former coaches, Ava is leaning into her new title.
“Most definitely to be patient and to really truly teach this game in a correct way because quite frankly if you teach them in the right way the game will reward you in the right way,” Ava said.
Representing American Samoa in Olympics
The rewards continue to stack up for Ava. Softball is making a return to the Olympic stage at LA 2028 and she is one of 42 college athletes – and one of four from BYU – named to represent American Samoa.
“I would have never thought this was an opportunity available for me, especially as a Utah athlete,” Ava said. “I love being Samoan, especially being full Samoan and this is my dad's side, so my last name and getting to represent the Ava side on a whole other athletic level, I think it's pretty surreal.”
Advice for aspiring young athletes
Her Samoan pride is rooted in Rose Park. She offered this advice to young girls like her who have dreams and aspirations of playing softball:
“Understand what true sacrifice means because quite frankly growing up in Rose Park there's so many like family functions and friend outings. I was missing a whole lot, but it didn't bother me because I knew I wanted to get to the D1 or to the next level of softball. Chase her dreams, to learn what sacrifice means, and to truly work hard.”
Preparing for Olympic training
Ava will head to California this weekend to begin training with the full American Samoa national team as they prepare for Olympic qualifying. She’ll reunite with the other BYU players; Ilove'a Brittingham, Martha Epenesa, and Rita Tavita.
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