In the realm of high school athletics, unexpected journeys are commonplace.
For Avery DeVincenzi, a current Wilsonville senior, an unexpected journey was all that separated her from becoming a dominant discus and shot put thrower for the Wildcats this spring.
In other words, her path to athletic success wasn't always clear-cut.
Initially drawn to running, DeVincenzi eventually found her calling in throwing events as a sophomore at Wilsonville.
"At first, I just kind of liked running. I was like, 'I’m gonna be a runner, I’m gonna be elegant,' but in reality, you have to do what’s best,” DeVincenzi said. “When I got into throwing I realized I can really take this to the next level.”
And she’s done just that. DeVincenzi’s achievements from this spring alone speak volumes.
Her personal best mark of 41 feet, 10 inches in the shot put currently stands as the second-best mark across the state this season, while her personal best mark of 129 feet, 4 inches in the discus is the second-best mark in the 5A Northwest Oregon Conference.
At the recent Northwest Oregon Conference championships, DeVincenzi’s skills were on full display as she clinched first place in the shot put and second place in the discus, further solidifying her reputation as one of the state’s top throwers.
Still, the idea of collegiate athletics didn't initially factor into DeVincenzi's plans. It wasn't until her junior year that she considered it a viable option.
"If you asked me a year ago if I was gonna go to college for sports, I would have said no," DeVincenzi said. “I would have said I just wanted to go to school for school, and just leave athletics in high school.”
However, DeVincenzi’s perspective shifted as opportunities began to present themselves.
The stud Wildcat went out on a limb and began reaching out to colleges during her junior year, in hopes of generating some interest as a throwing prospect.
Ultimately, the University of Montana, which caught DeVincenzi’s eye on Google Images, showed heavy interest.
"Junior year, I emailed Montana five times before they responded, and it was just so surreal because right away, they wanted me out for a visit,” DeVincenzi said. “They were super interested and I just fell in love with the coaches and the team and the family aspect of it all.”
For DeVincenzi, Montana wasn't just a choice — it was a revelation.
"It’s just where I’m meant to be,” she added. “I fell in love with the campus and immediately I knew that’s where I needed to be.”
As DeVincenzi prepares to embark on the next chapter of her journey at the collegiate level, she remains grounded in her approach to competition.
"It’s just about coming in with the right mindset and cheering people on and being super positive to your competitors," DeVincenzi said. “You’re not only there for yourself. You’re there to witness other people succeed and build off them, too.”
Beyond personal success, DeVincenzi recognizes the value of community and support in athletics, which should pay dividends at the University of Montana next season.
But first, the Wilsonville senior will be in action at the OSAA 5A Track and Field State Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene on Friday, May 17.
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