Three Sport Senior Athletes of the Year: Gus Aspillaga, Ava Aspen, & Anya Ionis

Three Sport Senior Athletes of the Year

Ava Aspen: Cross Country, Basketball, Lacrosse

Ava Aspen is a strong athlete in each of the three sports she does. Not only is she a three sport athlete, she is also a three sport captain! Ava is a cross country runner, basketball player, and lacrosse player. Ava is not only an amazing athlete, but an incredible example for younger players. She demonstrates good sportsmanship, being a good teammate, and being a great captain. In cross country she showed traits of being kind to everyone while also being valuable to the team because of how fast she was. Her practice in cross country also applied itself into her other sports, giving her impressive stamina and making her super speedy on the court and field. In basketball, she was a vital aspect of the team and helped her team by being aggressive, strategic, and getting points. Even though her season before she couldn’t play due to an injury, she came back to the team and we are so grateful she did. Throughout lacrosse season, she showed amazing skills, she also was hardworking and incredibly important to the team. She made goals, and was very present everywhere on the field. She had some amazing runs, using her speed from cross country. As a captain, she was very supportive, collected, helpful and always lifted the team up when they needed support. Thanks for all your hard work Ava, congrats on being a three sport athlete!

Gus Aspillaga: Soccer, Basketball, Baseball

This year, Gus Aspillaga played soccer, basketball, and baseball and was a key factor in all three sports. Gus was one of 12 seniors who participated in soccer this year, and he was one of them who scored on Senior Day to cap off a great season. Gus is someone who showed up to practice and helped out whenever he could. He also was known to take pictures for the team throughout the season as well. Gus carried the “Glue guy” attitude into basketball. A glue guy is someone who keeps the team together and is a key part of the team. In basketball he would come off the bench and drain threes. Gus was a voice that would help the team keep its cool. I personally got many talks from Gus and I do not know what I am going to do without him next year. Lastly, in the spring, Gus played baseball and had a career highlight game against Forman while underneath the lights at Dunkin Park. He then helped lead the team to a NEPSAC appearance and a spot in the HVAL championship. Gus once again was the glue guy for the team. Gus is someone who is always there for his teammates both on and off the field, and he will certainly be missed. Congratulations on being a three sport Athlete Gus!

Anya Ionis: Soccer, Basketball, Tennis

Anya Ionis is a player on the soccer, basketball, and tennis teams. On each team she has demonstrated responsibility, a good attitude, and hard work. Starting in the fall, Anya is a part of the girls soccer team. The team has been through a lot, and it’s been amazing to have her presence on the team no matter what is happening. She is an incredible teammate and has some really good skills on the field. She was also a very flexible and accepting player, going wherever she was needed on the field. In basketball, she carried these same traits over. Being a good leader and a friendly face to other players, especially newer players. She is devoted to her work on the court and every day pushes herself to be better, this was so important especially as a senior because even though it was her last year, she still wanted to help the team succeed and get better for herself. For her third sport, Anya was captain of the tennis team, which is an amazing accomplishment. Anya helped lead her team to be HVAL Runners-Up and was a valuable spot in doubles, often winning and getting a point for the team. Her dedication to the team was very valued especially because she didn’t have to show up every day because of SIS. Yet because she did, the team had a great season and beat some teams they have not beaten in years. Congratulations on being a three sport athlete, Anya!