For Avery Moore, soccer has always been more than just a game—it’s been a lifelong pursuit of excellence, a way to challenge herself, and ultimately, the sport that shaped her path to the University of Nevada, Reno. Now completing her first year as a collegiate athlete, Avery has gained not only experience but also a deeper appreciation for the journey that brought her to the field in navy and silver.
Avery began playing soccer when she was just four years old, getting her start with AYSO in her hometown of Pahrump. As she grew, so did her commitment. She joined the local Trojans club team, traveling to Las Vegas for competitions, and eventually began commuting to Vegas more regularly to join a higher-level club team. At the same time, she balanced playing for her high school team, showcasing a level of dedication uncommon in most young athletes. “I played club and then also guest played on teams and did what I could to get myself out there,” she explained.
A gifted multi-sport athlete, Avery excelled in more than just soccer. But it was the position of goalkeeper that ultimately stole her heart. “For me, I’m a goalkeeper, so I think the love of being in the goal—from the start of when I got thrown into the goal and not having a clue—and just being able to be better each day really motivated me,” she said. “I’m really competitive, and I hate losing. Being in the goal, you’re the last defender. I wanted to be really good at my one job.”
That drive didn’t stop at high school. Avery continued to train privately with goalkeeper coach Angel in Las Vegas through his group AVK. Even now, as a Division I athlete, she makes it a point to train with him during school breaks. “Any chance I’m home for a break, whether it’s fall or spring break or this summer, I’m constantly training with him,” she said. “Just continuing to train and doing what I can to better myself each day.”
Transitioning to collegiate soccer, however, brought an entirely new level of discipline, both physically and mentally. The shift from high school to college was significant. “In high school, it was serious, but also fun—you’re out there to compete with your friends,” Avery said. “At the collegiate level, your team is your family. You live, eat, breathe with them.”
The time commitment is intense. Practices are in the mornings, followed by classes, study halls, and workouts. “You’re putting a lot towards soccer. It does take up a lot of your time. So you have to be fully invested in it,” she said. “The schedule is definitely harder, and you have to balance more. The mental state—it’s way harder than high school.”
Avery quickly learned that adjusting to the demands of college athletics isn’t something any player faces alone. She entered the program alongside five other freshmen, all navigating the same pressures of balancing academics, training, and personal growth. “Just know that you’re not the only one in that position,” she said. “You just have to lean on each other to get through the hard.”
Despite the rigor, Avery said the support systems at the University of Nevada, Reno are strong. “Your coaches are very involved in your life, and they leave their offices open to anyone. We also have a psychologist if you need it, and the trainers and academic staff are all very available. The environment really helps.”
Even with so much of her life devoted to soccer, Avery remains focused on academics. She’s majoring in speech pathology and planning to earn her master’s degree. The university requires incoming student-athletes to spend eight hours a week in a dedicated academic space called the AC (Athletic Complex), which helped her find structure. “At first, it was hard to find that balance, but once you get the hang of it, you just have to focus on one thing at a time,” she explained. “Once you’re done with soccer, put that aside and now you’re back onto school, because at the end of the day, you are there to get a degree.”
Avery also reflected fondly on her high school years, especially the friendships and memories made with longtime teammates. “I miss playing with the girls I grew up with. We had a really strong connection,” she said. “Bus rides, bonding—it’s different now. At college, you’re friends and family too, but you’re always competing against each other, whether it’s for travel spots or playing time.”
That competitive edge fuels her. Even though she redshirted her freshman season due to injury and depth at her position, Avery embraced it as an opportunity to grow. “I took it as a learning lesson,” she said. “It’s my first year going to college and I knew it was okay to redshirt. I’m learning from all these girls who have been here for years. This is my time to get better each and every day.”
During the spring season, Avery got valuable playing time, participating in every match. “Spring is kind of giving everyone the opportunity to show how much they’ve grown, or if you didn’t get to see the field in the fall, you get to show why you should be out there.”
Avery’s perspective on redshirting is refreshing. While it may carry a stigma for some, she sees it as a critical part of development. “It’s an experience, and you have to take advantage of learning from the people ahead of you. It’s not a bad thing at all.”
Her long-term plan is clear: play out her remaining four years, including her fifth year of eligibility, while completing her master’s degree. After that, she’s open to coaching—perhaps starting with youth or high school teams. “I do see myself coaching in the future, maybe just starting off with the littles and seeing where it goes.”
When asked who her biggest motivators were, Avery didn’t hesitate. “My parents,” she said without pause. “I’ve watched them do amazing things in life, and they’ve always taught us lessons and supported us.” That steady encouragement, paired with the values they modeled daily, gave her a strong foundation to face the challenges of collegiate athletics and academics. But it’s not just her parents who inspire her—her younger brother Kamden plays a major role in her motivation as well. “He’s in high school and wants to play basketball. I try to be an example for him,” she said.
Avery elaborated by explaining that at UNR, the soccer team embraces a tradition of defining a personal “why”—a deeply personal reason for showing up every day and pushing through the toughest moments. For Avery, that “why” is her family. “We actually do something on our team where we talk about our ‘why,’” she explained. “Mine would be my parents and Kam. I do this for them. Knowing they’re watching and supporting me, even from afar, helps me stay focused and keep going. And knowing that Kamden wants to go to that next level, I want to help show him what is possible if he works really hard.” That sense of purpose continues to fuel her ambition both on and off the field.
As for the recruiting process, Avery described it as overwhelming at times but necessary. “It was very stressful, but you are going to be constantly emailing and texting coaches. You’ll feel annoying, but they want to see that you’re interested,” she said. She created a player form, kept track of her academic and athletic achievements, and shared highlight videos—many recorded on a phone and edited with simple apps. “It doesn’t have to be professional,” she noted.
Above all else, Avery emphasized the importance of keeping the love for the sport alive. “You have to have fun. It’s okay to make mistakes, but you’ve got to find the joy in what you’re doing. If you lose the love for the sport, it becomes a chore.”
Avery’s first year as a student-athlete wasn’t just about learning how to block shots or balance a schedule—it was about laying the foundation for the rest of her college career and beyond. With a relentless work ethic, a strong support system, and a deep love for the game, she’s already making the most of her time with the Wolf Pack.
