Avery Frattinger Shifts Focus from Travel to College Sports

Avery Frattinger, a 17-year-old athlete from Kirkella, has redirected her post-high school ambitions from travel to college sports. Instead of embarking on a lengthy journey, she will play hockey and volleyball for the Dakota College at Bottineau next winter, located just under 200 kilometres from her home.

Frattinger expressed relief at the decision, noting the stress that accompanied her initial travel plans. “Honestly, it’s a huge relief,” she said. “The more Bottineau opened up as an option, it honestly stressed me out a little bit more because it was ‘Oh my goodness, I’m going to have to make this big decision.’”

After signing her commitment papers with Reed Loucks, head coach of the Lumberjacks, she felt reassured about her choice. “Now that I have made that decision and I feel good in that decision, it’s such a relief to plan around one thing,” Frattinger added.

Kirkella, located southeast of the Trans-Canada Highway as it exits Manitoba for Saskatchewan, is where she has developed her athletic skills. Frattinger currently attends school in Elkhorn, where she has participated in various sports, including volleyball, badminton, and track and field. While her school has limited team options, she also ventured to Moosomin last year to play football, which she described as a fun experience but one she does not intend to pursue further.

Frattinger’s athletic journey began at a young age. “I did figure skating for a couple of years because hockey was too cold for me,” she recalled. “I probably started figure skating when I was four and started playing hockey when I was five or six.”

As the youngest in her family, she credits her parents for their unwavering support throughout her sporting endeavors. “I think my parents have been super supportive over the years,” she said. “They’ve done a really good job of making sure they’re home from work or sending grandparents over.”

On the ice, Frattinger is currently a defender with the Birtle Bruiskies in the Rural Manitoba Female Hockey League. In 17 games this season, she has scored eight goals and provided two assists, placing her second on the team in goals scored. The Bruiskies hold an 8-10-2 record, ranking eighth in their 10-team division.

The head scout for Dakota College, Neil Franklin, has taken notice of Frattinger’s growth. “I have noticed she is very versatile, and is dominant at both ends of the ice,” he remarked. Her ability to adapt and contribute in various positions enhances her value as a player.

Reflecting on her experience, Frattinger noted, “I can play wherever, and I’ve been moved around from team to team.” This adaptability has proved beneficial, especially as she balances defensive responsibilities with offensive contributions. “I like to play fast for the most part, hustle into their end and hustle back,” she explained.

As her thoughts shifted toward post-secondary education, Frattinger began to seriously consider the opportunities at Bottineau after her initial conversation with Franklin. “Bottineau looks for really good values in their players and staff,” she stated. “It’s a good environment.”

After touring the campus, she was impressed by the smaller class sizes and the combination of sports and academics. “The package of all it together with hockey and volleyball and psychology, it was such a good package to put together,” Frattinger said, emphasizing that this opportunity would not be available to her in the future.

Despite not playing volleyball this winter due to her school’s lack of a team, she has remained involved by coaching younger students. As she prepares to join the Lumberjacks, she acknowledges the challenges of competing at the collegiate level, particularly her height. “I do have a pretty good jump but it has been tough to compete with taller girls,” she admitted.

Frattinger looks ahead to her new chapter starting in August 2024, eager to balance her academic and athletic pursuits. Her family’s proximity will allow them to continue supporting her. “I honestly can’t remember the last time at least one of my parents wasn’t at a game,” she said.

As she embarks on this journey, Frattinger is optimistic about the future. “The new journey I’m going on will hopefully take me to even greater places,” she concluded, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.