As senior Ava Motroni closes out her gymnastics career at Mercer Island High School, the two-time captain finds herself drawn to the floor routine like never before.
The four-year Islander athlete has always done her best on vault, but the floor gets the spotlight this time out.
“I’m not finding tumbling as scary as usual, which is interesting. I’m liking floor because I get to perform and kind of show off my dance skills and everything,” said Motroni, who has been involved with gymnastics since the age of 4.
In this spring’s shortened season, Motroni said the hard-working and supportive team is having a blast during its meets, which are not being scored. The Islanders are housed in a five-school pod and all the meets take place at Sammamish High School.
“It’s kind of fun just to go out and really compete (at) what you find fun rather than what the judges are looking for,” said Motroni, who is performing in the all-around competition. She added that with less pressure, there are more risks to take, like unleashing a skill she wouldn’t normally throw.
Motroni said this will be her swan-song gymnastics season, adding that she’s enjoyed her time with the Islanders and with the sport overall. She’s proud of qualifying for state on vault her freshman year and on vault and beam as a sophomore.
The Reporter asked Motroni a series of questions to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her life:
What’s your dream vacation spot?
Definitely those over-the-water bungalows in Fiji or the Maldives or Bora Bora.
What superpower would you like to have?
I feel like I would really enjoy being invisible. You kind of get the ability to sneak around everywhere, but also the ability to kind of like in a way read peoples’ minds just because you’re there and they don’t know you’re there.
What’s a skill that you would like to learn?
I want to learn how to juggle. I’m really bad at it and I think it would be kind of fun.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
The little spare time I have I usually either drive around the Island, hang out with friends, listen to music, or I also like hanging out with my dog, because he’s my best friend.
What type of music do you listen to?
Just whatever’s popular — hip hop, pop. Just whatever’s on the radio, really.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Just take the chances because you never know what the outcome might be. It could be positive and you’ll never know if you don’t try.
If you could go to dinner with one person, who would that be?
Definitely Ruth Bader Ginsburg because she’s changed lives for many many women as well as other people. She’s just a very inspirational person and has achieved so much for our country.
