Thaler hails from legacy of success

• Thaler hails from legacy of success
• Thaler hails from legacy of success
• Thaler hails from legacy of success
• Thaler hails from legacy of success
• Thaler hails from legacy of success

For someone who is about to begin their journey into adulthood, Avery Thaler has accomplished quite a bit.

The recent Fairfield graduate is a three-time district MVP in volleyball, a district MVP in basketball, a state champion in basketball, and a four-time gold medalist in state track and field - to name a few accolades. Oh, she’s also the Valedictorian of Fairfield’s Class of 2024.

But, maybe these accomplishments shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Thaler comes from a bloodline that’s rich in academic and athletic success.

Two of her great-grandparents and one grandparent were Valedictorians of their respective high schools, and her mother, Becca, was ranked fifth in her graduating class. Both of her parents and several of her grandparents and great-grandparents had athletic success, including a grandfather who set several passing records at Texas A&M-Commerce (known as East Texas State when he played).

“It’s really been fulfilling to see her achieve all of the things she’s worked so hard for,” Becca Thaler said. “We’re really proud.”

Becca (Skinner) Thaler participated in the same sports that Avery did - volleyball, basketball and track and field. But, she was quick to concede that her daughter was superior athletically.

“I played sports and really enjoyed it, but I think Avery is the better athlete,” Becca said. “I think it accumulated for her that she got the brains and athleticism all in one.”

Becca’s parents, Randie and Terry Skinner, are prime examples of genetics playing a role in their granddaughter’s accomplishments. Randie was Valedictorian of her graduating class at Forney High School east of Dallas, while Terry was a four-year starter at A&M-Commerce.

“She has a good competitive spirit,” Terry Skinner said. “There’s nothing better than winning, but when you lose, do it with a degree of respect for your opponent, and give it your best.” During his time in college, Skinner threw his name into his school’s record books. Some of those records stood for a few years after his graduation.

“I accumulated a lot of records there,” Terry said. “The thing I’m most proud of is I was 13th in passing yardage two years after I graduated. Our goal was to have 100 yards passing per game. We didn’t have a passing scheme, but we did OK. We threw about 20 time a game, which is a quarter. We ran the USC I-formation - run left, run right, throw a little in between.”

Randie (Miller) Skinner also had academic success in her bloodline. Her father, Emlyn Miller, was Valedictorian of his graduating class at Scottsdale High School in Scranton, Penn.

“It makes me very proud (to see Avery succeed),” Randie said. “My dad always encouraged me, and he would’ve been very proud (of Avery). I’m very proud of her.”

In August, Avery begins her journey as a collegiate athlete. She will play volleyball - only volleyball - at Abilene Christian.

“I can’t wait to see her play in college,” Randie said. “It’s going to be fun.”

Another person who is proud of Avery and her accomplishments is grandmother Julie Thaler. A four-year basketball player at Rockdale herself, Julie has enjoyed watching her granddaughter grow not only as an athlete, but as a person.

“Avery’s good in everything she does,” Julie said. “It’s been very sweet to watch her grow and progress. She’s always been such a sweet and smart person. To watch her grow has been really awesome.”

Brent Thaler, one of Avery’s grandfathers, also enjoys watching his granddaughter compete. He too was a high school athlete and played baseball at Rockdale.

“Avery’s self-motivated. She’s a heck of an athlete and she motivates herself. She’s an awesome athlete and it’s fun to watch her compete.”

Brent was a pitcher in high school - a trait passed down to his son, Kevin. Legends have been told about Kevin Thaler’s fastball.

One former umpire said that Kevin threw a ball so fast that he couldn’t see if it was a ball or a strike. While he didn’t attest to that, the former football and baseball standout at Fairfield did say that he offered his daughter one piece of advice.

“One of the main things that I tried to help her with, which she’s already pretty good at doing, was to take the highs and lows for what they’re worth,” Kevin said. “Don’t get too low after a loss and shake it off. Enjoy the wins, but get ready for the next one.”

Throughout Avery’s four years in Fairfield, there weren’t many losses. In four years of basketball, the Lady Eagles were 140-10 with a state championship, two state runner-ups and a region finalist.

In volleyball, Fairfield was 133-24 in the last four seasons with four district championships. After a first-round exit in 2020-21, the Lady Eagles advanced to the area round in 2021-22; the region quarterfinals in 2022-23; and the region final in 2023-24.

This past season - Avery’s final one at Fairfield - was arguably the most memorable. in the region quarterfinal round, the Lady Eagles knocked off Troy - a team who ousted them the previous two years in the area and region quarterfinal rounds, respectively.

The 3-2 region quarterfinal win against Troy was a historic one. It put Fairfield in the region tournament for the first time in program history, where the Lady Eagles defeated East Bernard in the region semifinals before losing to Central Heights in the region final.

Avery’s great-grandmother, Bette Nettle Kirgan, also was a Valedictorian at Fairfield High School in 1949. Bette’s husband and Avery’s great-grandfather, Joe Lee Kirgan Jr., once owned and operated the Fairfield Recorder, just as his father (Joe Lee Kirgan Sr.) and grandfather (LC Kirgan) did before him.

Avery’s grandparents, Lee and Susie Kirgan, are involved with Operation Finally Home - a non-profit group that builds home for Veterans of war or first responders who have been injured or wounded in the line of duty. Lee and Susie are big fans of Avery as well.

“Avery not only loves to compete, but she loves to study,” Lee said. “You don’t meet too many people who actually enjoy studying.”

One date that Lee and Susie have marked on their calendar is Aug. 30. That’s when ACU plays at Baylor.

“Avery is such a kind, caring person,” Susie added. “It’s been a blessing to watch her grow as a person and compete.”

Despite having Baylor blood in their family, both Susie and Lee plan on wearing ACU purple to the match on Aug. 30 in Waco.

Avery is grateful for all of the support she receives. She also credits her family for her success.

“It’s amazing (to come from a family of successful student-athletes),” Avery said. “I love my family. They come to support me at every athletic event and every academic event. I couldn’t have done what I’ve been doing without them.”