Athlete of the Issue

Avery Swenson

Photo from Middlesex instagram

In her first two years of high school field hockey (one for Concord Carlisle High School and one for Middlesex), Avery scored 26 goals and had 31 assists. As a freshman at CCHS, Avery was the only freshman to win the impressive title of Dual County League All-Conference, and she earned a place on the NFHCA (National Field Hockey Coaches Association) High School Watch List. This was only the beginning for Avery. 

As a new sophomore in 2024, Avery brought her talent and grit to the Middlesex Girls Varsity Field Hockey midfield; she quickly proved herself a key contributor. Scoring 15 goals, and perhaps more impressively, assisting 17 goals, Avery made her mark on the scoreboard greatly contributing to the 18-2 season record and ISL victory. Avery was further recognized on the Max Field Hockey All New-England First team and earned the titles of All-ISL and All-NEPSAC. 

Avery is a force to be reckoned with on the field. She is not only fast, strong, athletic, and technically skilled, but she is fiercely competitive and inspired to leave her heart on the field every game. 

Senior Captain Alex Hood notes Avery’s particular contributions off corners that often results in goals for Avery, and her incredible ability to distribute and move the ball around the field. Avery has incredible talent for the game and Middlesex is extremely lucky to have her.

It would be easy to end the article here having convinced everyone that Avery is, in fact, a phenomenal field hockey player and athlete. However, while it is certainly worthwhile to recognize these major successes, it is equally important to acknowledge her sportsmanship. 

Avery inspires the best within others, exemplifies hustle and grit in every aspect of the game, and fiercely supports her teammates. Captain Alex Hood ‘26 encapsulates Avery perfectly in these three words: “competitive, hard-working, and selfless.” 

Avery demonstrates her love for the game and her team through her relentless commitment to competition and strong drive to win, though never at the expense of respect. She challenges herself and puts in the extra effort practicing long hours every week. 

Most importantly, Avery puts the team above herself. She looks to set her teammates up for success on the field with her exceptional passing, and she goes to great lengths to bring younger players under her wing. According to Alex Hood, Avery “deeply cares about the team.” Alex notes Avery’s complete engagement in team traditions like their sleepover. Avery approaches these things with kindness, “silliness,” joy, and enthusiasm that is contagious to those around her. Notably, this approach goes beyond the field for Avery. 

Her work ethic on the field translates to that in the classroom; her support for her teammates translates into love for her friends; her on-field leadership translates into her leadership on campus. Middlesex is lucky to have Avery as a part of the community and wishes her all the best as she continues her athletic and academic pursuits at Princeton in the Class of 2031. Go Tigers! 

Avery Green ‘26