On Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, Central Bucks East seniors Ava DePrizio & Melayna Pettigrew were recognized for committing to continue their track and field careers at the collegiate level.
Ava DePrizio – Tufts University (Track & Field)
Major: Physics
Final list of colleges: Tufts, Case Western University of Rochester
Reasons for choosing Tufts: “I really liked the area. We went down there, and I really liked it. It’s not a huge school – I didn’t want to go to a giant school, and I wanted to stay on the east coast. They also had
really good science programs, which was important to me, and they had a D3 track team. I knew I didn’t want to do D1, so everything made it the right fit.”
Coach Steve Martin says: “Ava moved to this area, and it could be overwhelming. I do recall her coming in as a freshman doing cross country, something that was totally out of her wheelhouse. It’s uncomfortable coming to a new area where you don’t know anybody or the sport, but I think through sports it helps student-athletes build the confidence they need. It’s satisfying as a coach to see the transformation of students. I got to see that through the years with Ava. From somebody that didn’t talk to anybody to really come out of her shell and be assertive and have the confidence to be one of our leaders. That’s a great sign in the growth of a person. I know most people don’t have that vision when they sign up for something but then they really commit to something, find a love, and it’s really cool to see her take it to the next level collegiately and also get a great education.”
About Ava:
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite TV show: South Park
Favorite music: Rock
Melayna Pettigrew – Emory University (Track & Field)
Major: Biology or Neuroscience
Final list of colleges: “Emory, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Delaware
Reasons for choosing Emory: “The location, and I really like the campus and the opportunities that Emory can provide for me.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and field at the collegiate level? “I was always an athlete, but I didn’t start running track until sophomore year. At that point, I thought it was still soccer, but I knew I didn’t want to do soccer in college. I guess I fell in love with track. I thought to myself – 'I actually think I’d go insane if I wasn’t running.'”
Coach Steve Martin says: “Soccer’s loss is track’s gain. Life is about choices, and Melayna made a great choice back in sophomore year, but if you’re going to make those choices, fully commit to them. Mel has definitely done that. She’s committed herself to track and field, and through that, she has definitely enhanced her courage and her belief in herself. I remember at the beginning of this season having the discussion and she thought Emory was out of reach. Sometimes it just takes a little nudging. If I could give any advice as a coach and as a parent, it’s - be a good listener, and take what you hear and apply that. That’s something Mel has done – she listens and applies that and is fully committed to the decision that she makes. I think it’s benefitted her, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.”
About Melayna:
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite movie: Coraline
Favorite artist: Sza
- Log in to post comments
