From Staff Reports

 

AMERICUS – Georgia Southwestern State University men’s soccer player Christopher Avery was recognized as the Top Male “Peach of an Athlete” Role Model by the Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. Each year, the “Peach of an Athlete” Role Model Award is presented to athletes, both professional and amateur, who exemplify good character and athletic achievement.

Avery is the first student-athlete from GSW to receive this award. He was honored at the 35^th Annual Peach of an Athlete Role Model Banquet on Tuesday, March 19, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The banquet serves to honor outstanding “Role Models for Youth” in athletics, academics, community service and scouting.

“I shall forever remain grateful for this recognition,” Avery said at the banquet. “This award represents achievement on and off the field. It would not have been attainable without the support of my parents, family, mentors and friends who have helped me become a better role model.”

A native of Tyrone, GA, Avery is graduating senior who was recently named GSW’s 2019 Homecoming King. His long-time girlfriend, Rachel Cochran, was named the GSW 2019 Homecoming Queen.

Avery is majoring in Dramatic Arts with an emphasis in Communication and Media Arts and is minoring in Information Technology. He has managed to maintain his place on the Dean’s List for four years, as well as having membership status in the Gamma Beta Phi Academic Honor Society. Avery is also on the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll.

Avery has played Soccer for the Hurricanes during all four years of his collegiate career. He was named to the Peach Belt Conference All-Academic Team from 2016-2018. He played a total of 2,829 minutes in 52 matches.

“We are very proud of Chris for receiving this award,” GSW Athletic Director Mike Leeder said. “He has been an outstanding ambassador for GSW Athletics on the field, in the classroom and in the Americus Community.”

When he’s not excelling in the classroom or refining his skills on the soccer field, Avery is actively serving his campus. He is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Avery is also the Vice President of the National Society of Leadership and Success and is a Senator for the Student Government Association (SGA). Avery is also a GSW Marshal and a member of the Student Conduct Board.

Avery says that three areas of his life have served as a “blueprint” for being a role model in college: the classroom, campus life and community. In the classroom, he helps make others feel comfortable being away from home and adjusting to college life by providing resources and tutors in his position as a resident assistant.

Within campus life, Avery works to ensure that student ideas and issues are heard through his involvement with SGA. Avery also volunteers with various community events such as the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine, Special Olympics, Relay for Life and Operation Christmas Child.

In his closing statement at the banquet, Avery summarized that being a successful role model represents a kindness and willingness to help others, as well as active participation in the classroom, campus and community.

Avery has a passion for cinematography and video editing, which led him to do film for both the GSW men’s and women’s basketball teams.

After graduation in May 2019, Avery plans to further his education in graduate school and pursue a career in sports broadcasting.