![Junior Avery Waletzko (Pink Leotard [right]) gives advice to Doris Ewald (Black tank top and pink shorts [left]) at Twin Ports Gymnastics during the Floor event. She helps to give advice to her fellow teammate on the high school gymnastics team.](https://spartanspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Copy-of-IMG_0289-1200x800.jpg)
From the age of four, junior track captain and gymnast Avery Waletzko expressed her leadership skills through her sports, including track and field and gymnastics. She is supportive of her teammates, and has become a great leader.
Waletzko represents being a leader by having a positive attitude towards her team and cheering them on throughout each season. Waletzko leads by example, and helps to answer questions when her teammates need help.
“Helping other people by being a good person, cheering them on, and encouraging them with polite and constructive criticism,” Waletzko said.
Waletzko is involved in gymnastics during the winter, and track during the spring. Waletzko shows inclusiveness during practices and competitions through her friendly nature and also being supportive of her teammates. She makes sure that everyone feels comfortable within the team, and that everyone has the support they need to stay motivated.
“She is electric. You always know when Avery is in the building, because you’ll hear her,” track and field coach Tyler Anderson said.
When encountering a challenging situation, Waletzko makes sure to always keep that positive attitude. During competitions and races, she encourages everyone to cheer and she is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone to take a risk.
Waletzko is not afraid to speak up for herself when there is a problem to address, or when someone needs another opinion that does not include agreement. She is not afraid to speak her thoughts and give constructive criticism when needed.
“She is not afraid to speak up. She’s very open to standing up for what she believes is right,” Acurero said.
As a sophomore, Waletzko was nominated for the captain position in track and field for representing good sportsmanship with her teammates. Now going into her junior season of track, she still holds onto that position and is improving on her leadership skills for the new and upcoming season. However, Waletzko proves that someone can still be a good leader without the title in all her sports.
