PIERSON, Fla. — Taylor High School softball player Ava Ramos is being recognized by the FHSAA for the Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team. 

Her name will now be added to the wall in the school’s gym, alongside her mom, whose name hangs on a banner for career wins as the girl’s volleyball coach. 

Her name will now be added to the wall in the school’s gym, alongside her mom, whose name hangs on a banner for career wins as the girl’s volleyball coach.

Ramos said the recognition is a dream come true, and one that hasn’t come easy.

While Ramos has shined all throughout her high school athletic career, it’s been tough juggling five sports.

“There were days I just wanted to give up. I would go to my mom and tell her I couldn’t do it anymore, and she would remind my of why I started,” she said.

Ramos said she doesn’t just play to play, she genuinely loves these sports and being part of a team.

“I like to stay busy, and they each have their own benefits. Whether it’s relieving stress or keeping me in shape — it’s a win, win for me,” she said.

With a plate full of activities, the infielder’s dream of playing college softball wasn’t always home runs and grand slams.

“I just had to remember the whole time it was going to be worth it in the end — just keep pushing. I’ll get through it and it’s going to be worth it when I get to where I want to be,” Ramos said.

That drive to be better each day is something her coach Sean Berger says he’s seen flourish in Ramos since he began coaching her in the eighth grade.

“When you see the type of success Ava has had, not just in softball, but also weightlifting and volleyball, it becomes that inspiration to them where they can look up and say, ‘Hey, I can do the same thing here, too,’” he said.

Her teammates and siblings look to her as a role model, which she accepts humbly and doesn’t take it lightly.

“They see how I act when I make mistakes or like, when they’re in the same position I am, they watch what I do to learn things from me,” Ramos said.

That type of character is something Berger said makes him proud as a coach and is inspiring to see.

“Some of those other girls going up to her asking advice and kind of just leaning on her whenever they have times of trouble, too,” he said.

While Ramos has leading stats in batting average and on base percentage, she said she plays not for herself, but for something bigger.

“I’m very strong in my faith. That’s why I always put crosses on my face before games,” to remind herself that every time she steps on the field, “it’s all because of him.”

The senior said she plans to attend St. Johns River State College after graduating to pursue a degree in sports journalism while playing softball.