By Mike Beas
As postseason honors go, being named Academic All-State occupies its own lofty perch.
Among those crowding onto it at the conclusion of the 2022 girls soccer season were a number of Avon players, a list that included junior midfielder Channing Crawford.
About to embark on her senior season for the Orioles, Crawford’s dedication shows not only in the work she pours into her 3.9 grade-point average, but her desire to improve her soccer skills.
Agility training? Check.
Corner kicks? You bet.
Speed work? Absolutely.
In short, the off-season in Crawford’s universe doesn’t include an “off” switch.
Avon coach Eric Nance looks forward to seeing the benefits of the work Crawford has put in when his squad opens the season at home on Aug. 14 against Hendricks County rival Tri-West.
“One thing that sets Channing apart is how much she improves every season,” said Nance, now in his 14th season. “From her freshman season until now there has been huge growth as a player because of all the work she’s put in.
“When Channing plays, she’s physical and she’s confident. The other players kind of feed off her leadership. She’s always positive, and just a worker whether we’re in the weight room or during a practice or scrimmage.”
Crawford was recently named to the Brownsburg Summer Invite All-Invitational Team, a collection of players that includes three from Brownsburg (Tatum Carrington, Cora Pfeifler and Kiersten Touloukian) along with one each from Danville (Mya French), Plainfield (Ella Litzelman) and Tri-West (Abi Samm).
Crawford did a Q&A with ICON:
Q: Is there a story behind the first name of Channing?
A: I am named after a basketball player named Channing Frye. My parents were looking for a ‘C’ name, and the other ones were Camden and Crimson.
Q: How old were you when you felt you first started to connect with the sport of soccer?
A: I got into it because when I was really little, I tried other sports, but was more attracted to soccer. I liked the strategy of soccer. I can look at different perspectives against different teams.
Q: Your senior school year hasn’t started, but do you have any idea at this point what you might be doing after graduating from Avon High School?
A: For soccer, right now I have four options – IUPUI, Marian, the University of Indianapolis and Franklin College. With my career, I want to do something medical, either a wound care specialist or genetic disease specialist. I watch a lot of medical shows, and I believe that does influence me.
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming Avon girls soccer season?
A: Mostly, I just want to keep working hard and sacrifice to make myself better for this season. And for us to work together as a team.
