There’s scarcely a spot in the Montezuma-Cortez volleyball and track and field records that doesn’t have Avery Wright’s mark on it.
The Montezuma-Cortez senior, who will cap a sensational high school athletics career with the track and field program this spring, has decided to continue her academic and athletic pursuits in Golden next year, as part of the Colorado School of Mines track and field program.
A standout in the classroom and in her athletic endeavors, Wright credits much of the success in her journey to her teachers and coaches throughout her four years at M-CHS.
“I’ve always had that sense of support,” said Wright, “whether it be from my family, my coaches, my teachers, my teammates. I’ve felt that the whole community has helped me get here.”
She intends to pursue a degree in computer science or engineering, but her journey wasn’t always destined to go down that path.
“I never thought I was STEM-oriented – I really enjoyed English and history, and so I didn’t think I’d find myself loving math and science,” Wright said. “But my junior year, I really learned how much passion I had for those subjects.”
Colorado School of Mines fit the bill. The Orediggers have established one of the premier athletic programs in Division II athletics, with their cross-country and track and field teams producing nationally elite competitors.
Wright would know – her sister Aryelle also runs for Mines, and earned all-American status in the 800 meters.
“I appreciate how much respect that the coaches have for the student-athletes,” added Wright, referencing the academically rigorous Mines. “I loved the feeling that I got from the school.”
Since setting foot on the M-CHS campus, Wright has raised the bar.
As a freshman, Wright dominated the track and field scene in Colorado, winning both the 100 and 200 meters dashes, and leading the 4x100 meter relay team to a runner-up finish in the 3A state championships.
During the same meet, Wright teamed up with her sister on the Panthers’ 4x200 relay team that set a new 3A state record of 1:42.61 in their preliminary heat of the championships.
Wright added a trio of individual all-state performances in 2021 as well, headlined by a second-place finish in the 100 meters.
Her dominance in the local circuit made Wright into a household name in Western Slope track and field circles, much like she had become on the volleyball court.
Wright landed the honor of being named player of the year in the 3A Intermountain League for her clinical precision in attack for the Panthers volleyball team, adding to an all-state recognition.
She played a pivotal role in producing four consecutive winning seasons during her tenure for the Panthers, including the program’s masterful run to the state semifinals during the 2021 spring season.
“I knew I’d want to keep competing in track and field,” Wright said about her difficult decision to turn her focus on to one sport, “I’ve got a passion for both sports, but I knew that from a competitiveness standpoint, track and field would be a better option.”
Beyond the wins and losses, Wright's greatest enjoyment has come from the connections she has made with her teammates over their years shared together on the court and track.
“I think I'll always remember the Senior Nights and how meaningful they were to me,” said Wright, “to have the entire community’s support during my four years at M-CHS, it’s something that I truly appreciate.”
