2020 3B/SS Ava Knepper made her RISE debut on July 10th, 2019 at the Northern Illinois Summer ID Showcase at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. Ava possesses a 5’4” 130lb frame with above average athleticism and feel for the game. A tick above average runner, Ava clocked a 3.0 Home to 1st time, & a 12.12 Home to Home time. In the box, Ava showed a slow and controlled load with a fluid path through the zone. A top of the order run producer, Ava’s up-the- middle/ line drive approach bodes well for her ability to hit for average, while wreaking havoc on the base paths. On the dirt is where Ava shines. An above average fielder, with plus lateral range, her soft hands allows for a clean seamless transfer with plus accuracy across the infield. Ava also shows the ability to throw from multiple arm angles.   
Her plus athletic ability and sound defensive skills will be an asset on the left side of the field for many college programs. With added strength, Ava will tap into some additional homerun power. 
________________________________________________________________________________
Recently, RISE Softball Midwest took a few minutes to sit down with 2020 recruit Ava Knepper for a Q & A.
RISE: Where are you at in the recruiting process?
Ava: I have talked to many colleges, went on visits, and have gotten some offers.
RISE: Intended college major?
Ave: Sports management or teaching.
RISE: Dream Job?
Ava: Coaching softball or doing something to help others.
RISE: Do you play any other sports?
Ava: I play basketball and volleyball.
RISE: What/who inspires you?
Ava: My mom inspires me because she lost her mom at a young age but continues to be strong woman and helps anyone she can.
RISE: In only 3 words, describe yourself?
Ava: Outgoing, energetic, and motivated.
RISE: Favorite softball moment?
Ava: Hitting my first homerun!
RISE: Favorite sport to watch?
Ava: My favorite sport to watch is college softball.
RISE: How do you approach your high school senior softball season (goals, mindset, etc?)
Ava: My mindset is to accomplish more then I did last year, and to gain more knowledge about the game.
RISE: Name something that softball has given you that nobody, including yourself, could ever imagine?
Ava: Starting softball at a young age I would never have guessed I would have met my best friends and my second families. I have met so many inspiring people and I couldn’t thank softball enough for giving me that.