Q&A with Ava Irvin

​​​​​​As the Syracuse Orange prepare to host #4 Louisville in the Carrier Dome on Sunday, Feb. 6 (12 p.m., Regional sports networks), we continue our Q&A series to help you get to know your Orange! In this edition we talk with sophomore guard Ava Irvin. 

1. How do you feel your hometown of Atlanta, Ga., has shaped you to be the person you are?
I love that Atlanta has had such an impact on me as a person. Ranging from the go-getter energy to the supportive and united culture it has shaped me a lot. I love being around the culture and constant open opportunities that motivate you to want to go do something. 

2. Would you say you grew up in a competitive household because of having multiple athletes in your family or not really? Can you share any memories of family competitions?
I definitely grew up in a competitive household for sure. There were lots of Wii game competitions, board game nights, and lots of family holidays where we found the smallest things to make competition. A lot of which started with “I bet I can do this or that better than you” which started a lot of funny moments. 

3. What is your favorite memory since you’ve been at Syracuse University? 
My favorite memory at Syracuse would be the ACC and NCAA tournaments. The energy of the games were just so much more fun and intense and it was fun being able to spend days with my teammates finding random things to do and have fun with it. 

4. Who are your top-5 greatest athletes of all time?
My top-5 greatest athletes of all time would probably be Serena Williams, Lebron James, Simone Biles, Kobe Byant, and Usain Bolt. 

5. Do you have any family traditions to share that are your favorite? 
Some family traditions of mine that I love are watching the 24 hour Christmas Story marathon on Christmas Eve all through Christmas and we go out together the movies a lot when new movie comes out. We also try to take a family trip each year. 

6. Do you have any goals for yourself this season?  
My goals for this season were to just get better on both ends of the floor and focus on consistency. Also, to be a defensive presence.

7. How have sports impacted your life? 
Sports have impacted my life in so many great ways. They have helped develop my character, forced me to handle challenges in my life and overcome them, and how to work well with others. Sports have also allowed me to gain some friendships that will last a very long time. 

8. If you had the opportunity to have your own restaurant, what kind of food would you serve? 
If I had my own restaurant I would have to make it a duel threat. It would definitely have seafood and American food as well for a “Surf & Turf” kind of vibe. I love the two so why not offer both!

9. What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? 
The biggest risk I could think of would be moving so far away from home for college. I’m very family oriented so not having the easy physical support was tough and sped up my maturity phase but has definitely been very beneficial for sure. 

10. What’s your favorite place that you have traveled to? 
My favorite place I traveled to would be Punta Canta, Dominican Republic