When she was in seventh grade, Avery Shaw stumbled into a new passion for track and field.

The Warrenton senior initially envisioned herself as a runner. However, Coach John Jeskey pulled her aside with a different plan: he wanted her to try throwing. 

“I remember thinking, ‘I don’t want to throw,’ but I ended up being pretty good at it so I stuck with it,” Shaw said. “He kind of forced me to be a thrower but I ended up falling in love with it.”

What started as a reluctant step soon turned into something more. Shaw found herself growing increasingly passionate about throwing. 

“I started to work with (Coach) Jeskey more and I fell in love with throwing from there and I wanted to keep doing it,” Shaw said, who also plays volleyball. “I like having a team sport but (in track) I can really just depend on myself. It’s me on my own, but I still have that group behind me.” 

Shaw’s passion for the sport that started in middle school has taken her to new heights. On Feb. 20, she signed her official letter of intent for the track and field team to Division I  Lindenwood University.

“At the end of my junior year, I thought this would be too hard for me to quit and give up,” Shaw said. “I just wanted to continue it.” 

A few years ago, Shaw never imagined she’d be in this position, let alone heading to play at a Division I  school.

“Seeing it come full circle and seeing that I’ve actually made it to the collegiate level is really fun,” she said. “It takes a lot of pressure off of (my senior season) because it gives me something to look forward to and I know my season isn’t going to be over.” 

Shaw’s accomplishments as a prep athlete are nothing short of impressive.  A state qualifier, Shaw broke the school record for the shot put and javelin throw, and was the first in school history to conquer the triple golden feat (discus, shot put and javelin) in a single meet as a junior. 

“I’m trying to make it to state my senior year and get ready to be a collegiate athlete,” Shaw said. “I want to go in and start off strong and be competitive my freshman year.” 

While Shaw also received an offer from Quincy University, her desire to pursue a career as a radiology tech made Lindenwood the better fit. 

The short drive to Lindenwood from Warrenton also played a factor in her decision. 

“I love my family and I want to be around them, so knowing I could have just a 45 minute drive to a nice home cooked meal or to see my dog, that was really nice to know that I have it right there,” Shaw said. 

Shaw did express some nerves for what is to come this fall, but noted she has found comfort in the college teammates she has met so far. 

“With the team I have met so far, it kind of feels like home,” Shaw said. “I’m nervous to see how I will compete collegiately, but I’m excited.”