Avery Frattinger Chooses College Sports Over Travel Dreams

Avery Frattinger, a 17-year-old athlete from Kirkella, has adjusted her post-high school plans, choosing to pursue sports instead of traveling. Instead of embarking on a global adventure, she will play hockey and volleyball for the Dakota College at Bottineau Lumberjacks starting in August 2024. This decision comes as a relief for Frattinger, who was feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of making significant life choices.

Frattinger, who has been active in various sports throughout her school years, expressed her thoughts on the decision process. “Honestly, it’s a huge relief,” she said. “The more Bottineau opened up as an option, it honestly stressed me out a little bit more because it was ‘Oh my goodness, I’m going to have to make this big decision.’”

The Kirkella resident signed her commitment papers with Reed Loucks, the head coach of the Lumberjacks hockey team. Frattinger’s decision to attend Dakota College stems from a desire for stability and the opportunity to play competitive sports.

Kirkella, located southeast of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border, has limited team options due to its small school size. Frattinger currently attends school in Elkhorn, where she has participated in volleyball, badminton, and track and field. She even ventured to Moosomin last year to play football, an experience she enjoyed but considers her first and last foray into that sport.

Frattinger’s family has played a significant role in her athletic pursuits. She is the youngest of four siblings, with her older brother Brady having played for the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA team and currently competing in senior hockey in Saskatchewan. “I think my parents have been super supportive over the years,” she noted, highlighting the family’s commitment to sports and the logistical challenges they managed together.

Currently, Frattinger skates with the Rural Manitoba Female Hockey League’s under-18 Birtle Bruiskies, where she has made a notable impact this season with eight goals and two assists in 17 games. Her performance places her second on the team in goals, showcasing her skills as a defender. Dakota College’s head scout, Neil Franklin, praised Frattinger for her versatility and competitive spirit.

“I’ve noticed she is very versatile and is dominant at both ends of the ice,” Franklin commented. He emphasized her ability to take on responsibilities as an alternate captain and her intensity, which compensates for her height.

Frattinger’s style of play involves actively engaging in offensive plays while maintaining defensive responsibilities. “I like to play fast for the most part, hustle into their end and hustle back,” she explained. She understands the importance of situational awareness on the ice, prioritizing her role in protecting her team’s net.

As she considered her options for post-secondary education, conversations with Franklin opened her eyes to the opportunities at Dakota College. “Bottineau looks for really good values in their players and staff,” Frattinger said. After touring the campus and learning about its smaller class sizes, she felt confident in her decision to move to Bottineau, which is located 193 kilometres southeast of her hometown.

Frattinger is also set to join the Lumberjacks volleyball team, despite her high school being unable to field a team this year. Balancing club volleyball and hockey presents challenges, but she remains committed to both sports. “I didn’t play this winter, but I was coaching Grade 7 and 8 students to stay involved,” she shared.

While she may face height challenges in volleyball, Frattinger enjoys various aspects of the game, from setting to defense. “Nothing beats the thrill of hitting a ball and seeing it touch the court on the other side,” she expressed, emphasizing her passion for the sport.

Bottineau, with a population of approximately 2,200, offers Frattinger a supportive environment where her family can continue to attend her games. “I honestly can’t remember the last time at least one of my parents wasn’t at a game,” she said, grateful for their unwavering support.

Looking ahead, Frattinger sees attending Dakota College as a strategic step towards furthering her education and athletic career. “The package of all it together with hockey and volleyball and psychology was such a good package to put together,” she noted.

With her journey beginning in August, Frattinger is excited about the new experiences that await her. “I feel like I’m a fairly independent person, so moving into my own space and being away from home is going to be a really cool experience,” she said. Her decision marks not just a change in plans but a stepping stone towards her future in sports and education.