Avana Sayles

Hometown: Peters Township 

High School: Peters Township High School 

Major: Communications 

Year: Fourth Year (Senior) 

Sport(s): Women's Basketball 

What made you want to attend Penn State Altoona? 

I have a Penn State family, my mom actually played basketball here, and my grandpa also wrestled here back in the day, so it was a pretty easy choice. 

How did you get your start in your sport? 

Having a mom who played basketball, I was introduced pretty early in third grade where I started rec leagues and then AAU the next year.  

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a Penn State Altoona student-athlete so far? 

Definitely hotel trips with the team. It may be an unpopular opinion, but the bus rides with my teammates are the best. We really get to talking, and I feel like those long trips and overnight stays are where most of the bonding happens. 

Do you have any mentors or role models at Penn State Altoona? If so, how have they helped you improve as a person? 

My mentors are my coaches for sure. They have always helped me just stay on the right track whether it's with my grades, my mental health, basketball, anything. They are always there, and I feel like that's the best thing they could've offered to me. They're amazing people, and it just makes you want to reflect on that as well.  

Outside of sports, what do you hope to accomplish during your time at Penn State Altoona? 

Honestly, to get my degree and form all of the relationships I can while I am here. I think that is super important.  

What career role would you like to have in the future? How is Penn State Altoona helping you reach that goal? 

I want to be an amazing salesperson. I do not know what I want to sell, I just know I will be selling something. Penn State Altoona is helping me reach this goal because of my professors, which are great. Outside of the knowledge they bring, obviously what we pay for, they all have connections outside of the classroom that students can take advantage of. There are so many different learning opportunities here, so many groups to join. Just talking to people involved with this campus has helped a lot.  

What advice would you give to a freshman student-athlete? 

Literally soak it all in. Everyone says it, but I am going to anyway. It goes by way too fast, and you do not want to miss it. It really is some of the best years of your life. Get the most out of every day because before you know it, you'll have a cap and gown.  

Rapid Fire 

-Who is your favorite professional and collegiate sports team? Professional- Steelers; College- Penn State  

-Who is your favorite professional athlete? Lebron James 

-Do you have any pregame rituals? Weird but my room has to be spotless before I play, I'm talking all laundry done and folded, floors vacuumed, and surfaces wiped/dusted. 

-Altoona Pizza: yay or nay? NAY. 

-What is your go-to order at Port Sky? Always Port Pizza with a Brisk

-Outside of playing sports, what are your hobbies? I love to paint and draw, play Fortnite, and go for walks.  

-What would your teammates say you are famous for doing? (I actually asked them they said): my step back jumper or crying every single time I laugh.