Aven Osborne, a 10th-grade student from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, has already made her mark as an active participant in multiple sports and community service projects. Growing up with three siblings and attending Summit Christian Academy, Aven has balanced her passion for competitive dance, cross country, basketball, soccer, and track with her academic responsibilities. Aven’s dedication extends beyond athletics—she’s raised funds and made donations to local animal shelters, such as Furry Kids Refuge and Wayside Waifs, and regularly volunteers at Abundant Life Church. Known for her positive energy and commitment to staying active, Aven has always embraced both her athletic and philanthropic endeavors, gaining a deep understanding of the importance of community, teamwork, and personal discipline.
What has inspired your passion for athletics, and how do you balance so many different sports?
I think my love for being active comes from always wanting to challenge myself. Growing up with three siblings, there was always someone to race, shoot hoops, or kick a soccer ball around. It was just part of our family life. Each sport has taught me something different—track has given me discipline, soccer has taught me teamwork, and dance has shown me how to be precise and creative at the same time. Balancing them all has definitely been tricky, but time management is key. I focus on prioritizing what’s most important at any given moment, whether it’s a game, a practice, or a school project.
You’ve been involved in philanthropy at a young age, especially with animal rescue organizations. What motivates you to give back?
I’ve always loved animals, and being able to do something to help them feels really fulfilling. My family adopted a pet from Furry Kids Refuge a few years ago, and that opened my eyes to how many animals need homes and care. Raising money and making donations is my way of giving back to organizations that do so much good for these animals. Volunteering at my church, Abundant Life, has also given me a sense of community and purpose. It’s not just about what you can achieve for yourself; it’s about what you can contribute to the world around you.
How do you think your time at Summit Christian Academy has shaped who you are today?
Summit Christian Academy has definitely played a huge role in shaping me. The environment there really emphasizes the importance of faith, discipline, and pushing yourself to do your best in everything, whether it’s academics, athletics, or serving others. I think being in a supportive community helps you become a well-rounded person. I’m thankful for the friendships I’ve made and the opportunities the school has provided to grow both personally and spiritually.
What have you learned from being involved in competitive dance, and how does that influence your approach to other sports?
Competitive dance was probably the first sport where I really had to commit to long hours of practice, and that’s where I learned the value of persistence and attention to detail. Dance demands so much focus and precision, which has carried over into other sports like basketball and track. Whether it’s perfecting a routine or improving my jump shot, I’ve learned that it’s the small improvements that lead to big results. Dance has also helped me with my flexibility and balance, which definitely gives me an edge in the other sports I play.
You’ve been involved in a lot of team sports, like soccer and basketball. What do you think is the most important aspect of being part of a team?
The most important part of being on a team is communication and trust. In soccer, you need to rely on your teammates to be where they’re supposed to be on the field. The same goes for basketball—it’s not about how good you are as an individual, but how well you work together as a group. You learn that when one person succeeds, the whole team succeeds. I’ve been really lucky to play with some amazing people who’ve taught me the value of lifting each other up.
What do you see for yourself in the future? Do you plan to continue with sports or pursue something different?
Sports will always be a big part of my life because I love the energy and challenge they bring, but I’m also open to exploring other passions. I’ve thought about possibly going into something related to physical therapy or sports medicine, where I could stay connected to athletics and help others recover and perform their best. Whatever I end up doing, I know that the lessons I’ve learned from sports—like hard work, perseverance, and teamwork—will be important.
How do you stay motivated during challenging times, whether in sports, school, or life in general?
I think it’s all about mindset and having a strong support system. My family is always there for me, and I’m really grateful for that. I’ve learned to break things down into small, manageable goals. Instead of getting overwhelmed by a big project or a tough season, I focus on what I can control today. I also try to keep things in perspective; not everything is going to go perfectly, and that’s okay. Challenges are opportunities to grow. Faith also plays a big role in how I stay grounded and motivated, reminding me to trust the process.