Faith, Family, and Focus: Lakeway Christian’s Avery Ramey Finds Her Path to Appalachian State
Have faith, don’t stress too much, work hard, and everything will be how it is supposed to be. Those words pretty much sum up Avery Ramey, a 2026 right handed pitcher who is committed to Appalachian State. Avery took time after her school day to have a conversation about her draw to Boone, North Carolina, and her commitment to Coach Whitney Jones and the Mountaineers.
We also talked about a few things such as her late but destined recruiting journey and her commute to Lakeway Christian Academy where she attends high school.
Why Appalachian State for Avery Ramey
Saturday, I made the drive to Boone to check out a fall softball game. My first time there, I was drawn to the small and unique environment. It is not a big city. The latest population count I could find shows just over twenty thousand.
Paired with the setting is Appalachian State, known for being very competitive in athletics. It is a place that not only felt like home for Ramey but a dream school.
“From the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home. I knew the coaches would push me to be the best athlete and person that I could be,” she said. “The coaches are doing so many great things for the program, and it is only an hour and forty five minutes from my house, which is nice.”
Just an hour and forty five minutes from her home, Ramey will stand in the circle for the Mountaineers and also pursue the academic experience she aspires to obtain. She plans to major in Exercise Science.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Avery currently carries a 4.20 GPA at Lakeway Christian Academy, a school she commutes nearly fifty minutes to and from every day. Ramey uses that time wisely and stays on top of her studies.
“There are a lot of days I am doing my homework in the car, or staying up a little later to finish it, or getting up earlier to get it done. I try to use my time well during the day in school to get most of my work and studying done,” said Ramey. “It can get hectic during season or fall ball, but I take the time to do it in the car if I need to, because grades matter and the student definitely comes before the athlete. I want to make sure I am doing well academically.”
Why Lakeway Christian Academy
Why Lakeway Christian Academy and the fifty minute commute? It matches everything she stands for, and it was inevitable that it happened.
“My faith is really important to me, and when a friend reached out and said, ‘How about you come to Lakeway?’ I went on a tour and thought, I don’t think I will ever make this work,” said Avery. “But it was God’s plan, and it has definitely been huge in my life.”
Ramey has leaned on her faith from a young age to get through pressure filled moments. She spoke about that and how her faith helps her handle tough situations.
“I obviously grew up in a Christian household, so my faith has always been there. But I don’t feel like I truly got it until I was older, like eighth grade or high school,” she said. “It is not super normal for kids my age to be strong in their faith, but I think that has really helped me a lot. I don’t feel as pressured or nervous because I know it is God’s will and plan. What happens will happen.”
A Recruiting Journey Delayed but Destined
Her faith also helped her through a recruiting journey that was delayed due to an injury that kept her out of summer travel ball in 2024. That meant missing key showcases and tournaments.
“I had a couple of deep bone bruises in my right wrist during school ball season, and it put me out for my recruiting summer. So it was definitely a little bit different. I did not start playing again until the fall, so my process was a little delayed, but I would not have wanted it any other way. It turned out perfect,” Ramey explained.
Finding the Right Travel Team
Coming off that injury, Ramey was looking for a travel team that would push her and help her through the recruiting process. That opportunity came when her friend Carly Compton reached out.
“One of my really close friends, Carly Compton, she is now a freshman at UNC, was playing for Coach Kevin, and she was like, ‘Hey, we are looking for a pitcher.’ So I went, and I absolutely loved it.”
That led to her joining Team NC (Hinde), one of the premier organizations in the region that helps players reach their goals every year.
“I love Coach Kevin, he is awesome. They have really helped push me and prepare me for college. I am not worried about going into college because I feel like I have had the preparation. They are just great people and they really want what is best for you,” said Ramey.
Playing for Team NC (Hinde), paired with her time at Lakeway Christian, has helped Avery develop into a complete player. She explained that school ball has helped her gain extra reps and sharpen her mental approach, which is just as important as the physical side.
Impressions of Coach Whitney Jones
I had to ask about Coach Whitney Jones, Appalachian State’s head coach. She can look a little intimidating, as I noticed during their fall game with Duke. I joked with Ramey about that, since I look forward to speaking with Coach Jones soon myself. Ramey assured me that she is kind, competitive, and genuinely has her players’ best interests at heart.
Family Support
You cannot talk about great support without mentioning Avery’s parents, who have been with her every step of the way. It is always one of my favorite parts of talking with young athletes, hearing about their parents’ sacrifices.
“I think my parents have really been my biggest supporters. They have made so many sacrifices, even just for me to go almost an hour away to school every day and to travel across the country with me,” she said. “They have made a lot of sacrifices. At the end of the day, they are always here for me. Some days they push me more than others, but it is because they are looking out for me. They have really been my biggest supporters throughout my whole journey.”
Their support and belief that everything happens as it should go back to her high school decision. I asked her what they thought at first.
“This is kind of funny. When the school was first built, Lakeway softball had a camp, and I actually went to that camp. I think there were a couple of UT players there. The field was not even built yet,” said Ramey. “I went to the camp and was like, ‘Oh my gosh, Mom, this place is beautiful. I wish I could go here.’ And we were like, ‘Yeah, if we ever win the lottery, maybe you can go here,’” she said with a laugh.
Then sometime later, what was meant to happen, happened.
“Then when my friend reached out to my mom and said, ‘Hey, Avery would love it here, it is great ball and a great Christian setting,’ we went on the tour and I said, ‘If we can make this work, it will be a miracle.’ And we made it work. It has been the biggest blessing in my life to be able to go here. I am surrounded by great people every day. My coaches and teachers are awesome, and everyone here truly wants the best for you.”
Staying Calm Under Pressure
Avery Ramey presents herself as cool, calm, confident, and faithful. Even in tough situations, she tries not to overthink things. Maybe her rise, curve, or changeup is not working that day, or the bases are loaded with no outs, she stays in the moment.
“I would say a lot of times I really just make sure that I stay in the moment. I think a lot of people can get really stressed when those situations hit, and I like to compete. It is a fun environment because it pushes you to succeed in what you are doing,” she said.
“You definitely have to have confidence going into it. You might feel nervous on the inside, but you do not want to show it. So I think just carrying yourself well on the mound and having confidence matters most.”
Advice for Future Recruits
As we wrapped up, Avery offered a few words of advice for players still going through the recruiting process.
“I think sometimes it can be nerve wracking when you have a call with a college coach, but you really just have to be yourself and talk to them almost like they are your best friend,” said Ramey. “You cannot be too nervous. Just put yourself out there a little bit. It can be intimidating talking to someone you have never met, but if you are genuine, that helps a lot.”
She also encouraged others to keep working on their craft and not get discouraged if things are not happening right away.
“Say you are not getting the calls you want, just keep your head down and keep working. It is easy to get discouraged if things do not go the way you thought they would, but at the end of the day, you still have to work on your craft. I think those two things are the most important.”
I appreciate Avery for taking time out to have a conversation with me. Ramey is set to officially sign to Appalachian State soon, and I look forward to seeing her in the black and gold.
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