LebCo Athlete of the Week: Ava Lantz

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Ava Lantz

During the week of April 27th, Ava Lantz delivered the kind of performance that showed why she has already become such a major part of Palmyra’s girls lacrosse attack.

The freshman sparked Palmyra’s bounce-back 17-4 win over Gettysburg with a huge offensive outing, finishing with 6 goals and 1 assist. She also controlled possession in a big way, adding 9 draw controls as the Cougars kept rolling. Those efforts earned Lantz recognition as a LebCo Athlete of the Week.

Looking back on that performance, Lantz pointed to her work in the draw circle and on the offensive end as the biggest factors.

“I feel like I did a good job getting the ball during the draw and controlling possession down on the offensive side,” said Lantz. “I had 6 goals, 9 draw controls, and an assist against Gettysburg.”

That effort was only the start of another huge stretch for Lantz. She followed it up with 8 goals and 2 assists against Hershey, then added 4 goals against Red Land, including the game-winner in overtime, as Palmyra pushed its winning streak to 3 games. Prior to Monday’s win over Bishop McDevitt, Lantz had already piled up 71 goals, 23 assists, 92 draw controls, 41 caused turnovers, and 30 ground balls on the season. She then added 5 more goals and an assist in the win over the Crusaders, continuing what has already been a remarkable freshman campaign.

Lantz’s production has been a major part of a strong season for the Cougars, who are 13-4 and already locked into a return trip to the District 3 Playoffs. Palmyra is back in the postseason once again after also qualifying in each season from 2021 through 2024, a run that included standout play from Lantz’s older sister, Morgan, who helped lead the Cougar attack during that stretch.

Coming into the season, Lantz said one of her main goals was simply to make an immediate impact as a freshman.

“At the start of the season, my main goal was just to get on the field as a freshman and make an immediate impact,” said Lantz. “I also really wanted to see our team make it to Districts and beat our rival Hershey for the first time in program history.”

She said she has tried to fit into the overall goals of the team by bringing maximum effort every time she steps on the field.

“Our team is very big on giving 110% every chance you get,” said Lantz. “So I try my best to constantly give everything I have with every opportunity on the field.”

That competitive mindset has stood out to Palmyra head coach Nate Lantz, who said Ava’s drive and all-around game have made her a difference-maker right away.

“Ava is one of the most competitive athletes I’ve coached,” said coach Lantz. “That competitive drive pushes her to constantly strive to be better in practices, games, and in her own time. She is always seeking improvement and looking for opportunities to grow. She is a very complete player and definitely a difference-maker for us.”

He also said her impact goes well beyond the stat sheet.

“I’m impressed with the impact she has been able to have on the team as a freshman, not just in terms of success on the field, but also in the energy level in practice,” said coach Lantz. “She seems to energize the offense and instantly meshed with the team when the season began. Her constant movement and effort, and despite her youth, her very mature level of lacrosse IQ, have served the team well.”

Coach Lantz also praised the way she has embraced Palmyra’s approach as a team.

“I appreciate her team-first attitude and just love her drive to succeed,” he said. “She just fits our team culture and approach to the game so well.”

Lantz also made sure to credit the people who have helped her reach this point, especially her parents.

“I want to thank both my parents,” said Lantz. “My mom is who makes everything possible. She is my biggest supporter. My dad has taught me everything I know about lacrosse and spent countless hours with me at the field.”

Lantz has already built an impressive résumé before even finishing her freshman season. She said she has twice been selected for the Under Armour 150, and at last summer’s combine posted the second-fastest shot speed and fourth-highest vertical jump.

Outside of lacrosse, Lantz also plays soccer and swims. Looking ahead, she said she hopes to play college lacrosse while studying for a future in the medical field.

Athletics run deep in the family. Lantz’s older sister, Morgan, plays Division I lacrosse at Austin Peay State University and holds Palmyra’s school records for points, goals, and assists. Meanwhile, her older brother, Jacob, is currently the leading point scorer on the Palmyra boys lacrosse team.

On a personal note, Lantz said that when she is not training, she is usually watching one of her siblings’ lacrosse games, going on bike rides, or playing pickleball. One fun fact she shared is that she used to compete in triathlons and won the Tough Kids Triathlon national championship.

For Lantz, one of the best parts of sports is the relationships that come with it.

“My favorite part about participating in sports is the relationships I make with my teammates,” said Lantz. “I have made my best friends through sports.”

Lantz also said she is very excited to be part of what has become a history-making season for Palmyra girls lacrosse.

Congratulations to Ava on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to her and the Cougars as they continue their postseason push.

Photos by Garrett Kohr

LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Aidan Long

Past Winners

Addi Davis (Week of 4/20)

Kiersten Powell (Week of 4/13)

Avery Lechleitner (Week of 4/6)

Addison Hollenbach (Week of 3/30)

Chloe Shirk (Week of 3/23)

Ryleigh Hopkins (Week of 3/9, 3/16)