Travis will study Pre-Med and play basketball

Evensville, TN -- 4/18/23

RCHS Senior Ava Travis has announced she will be attending Berry College and studying Pre-Med while playing basketball. She visited several universities and received 7 offers from various universities. Berry College is a private liberal arts college in the Mount Berry community adjacent to Rome, Georgia. The campus consists of more than 27,000 acres of land - including fields, forests, and Lavender Mountain - making it the largest contiguous college campus in the world. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) The Vikings went 16-11 and 17-9 over the past two seasons.

Travis is a 3-sport athlete who has played basketball, tennis and volleyball during her time at Rhea County High School. She is presently playing tennis for the Lady Eagles and is the # 2 player on the Lady Eagle lineup. Her brother, Will Travis is a member of the fishing team at Bryan College.

Ava began playing basketball in second grade. She began to concentrate on basketball as she grew older and has played AAU basketball for 3 years.

Ava answered a few questions about her sports background.

How was your sports background in school?

"I am a 3-sport athlete. I have played basketball, tennis and volleyball through middle and high school."

Talk a little about your basketball background?

"I started playing basketball in 2nd grade and fell in love with the sport. I have had many different coaches over the years and they all still support me. Bill Marsh was one of the first coaches to show me the game and believe in me."

When did you think you might play at the next level?

"I realized I wanted to play at the next level in elementary school. The thought of playing college basketball has been a lifelong dream of mine."

What are your strengths in your basketball game?

"I believe my strongest assets are my defense and leadership on the court. Moving and facilitating the ball and making shots around the rim. I will be working hard this summer on my outside shots and range. The 3-point line in college is different so I need to adjust to the further distance."

Do you have a favorite game or memory of your basketball career?

"My favorite game was the game against Lenoir City at Lenoir City. It was not an easy game and we ended up losing, but we played so well as a team. It’s one of those games I think about all the time and wish we could do over again."

Do you have a preference for the type of defense you play?

"I prefer to play man to man because although it is a very individual game it requires teamwork. If you don’t work as a team, rotate, or play help side it doesn’t work."

Talk a little about your AAU basketball background?

"I played AAU travel ball for 3-years with TN Flight Select. I enjoyed meeting new players and it pushed me to play at a higher level. We did a lot of traveling to Florida, Indianapolis, Kentucky and Georgia but I enjoyed seeing new places and taking on new challenges. My most successful AAU tournament was probably at Run for the Rose in Louisville, Kentucky. There are so many coaches across the country that come to watch and you get really exposed there."

How did you come to choose Berry for your next destination?

"I made many college campus visits and was blessed with 7 college basketball offers. I chose Berry College because they have an outstanding pre-med program. I loved the campus and really got to know the basketball players and Coach Johnson. I feel at home at Berry and can’t wait to get started at the next level."