Avery Errico is the one of the 2025 recipient of the LVRR Scholarships.

LVRR: What college will you attend and what is your intended major of study? Do you plan to run while attending college?
AE: I will be attending Monmouth University, and I am planning to major in Health Studies focusing in Exercise Science. I will be a member of the cross country and track and field team.

LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
AE: The first time I started running was in 5th grade. All of my friends were joining the “run club”, so I decided to join. I didn’t stay consistent with running because I was focused on several other sports. Later on, I joined the cross country team in 7th grade where I truly found my love for the sport.

LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
AE: My greatest accomplishment was being named First Team All State 2A Cross Country. I placed 11th, which was my highest finish at the State level.

LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to “sink or swim.” What did you learn from it?
AE: I discovered that I had low iron right before my senior cross country season. I knew that I could either let this completely crush me and just stop, or I could keep working hard and get it all figured out. Eventually I was able to figure it all out, but the journey back wasn’t so easy. The runs felt tougher, I was always a little more tired, but I knew that I had to keep going. A big lesson I learned from this is that obstacles are only put in your path to make you stronger. Without going through this, I would not be the same runner that I am today.

LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
AE: My most influential role model is my dad. My dad is the reason I started running. He was a very successful runner, and I always wanted to be just like him. He shows me how to be dedicated, hardworking, and to push yourself every single day. He is one of my biggest supporters and will always cheer me on as I compete.

LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
AE: A lot of people only see me as an athlete, but I also enjoy playing the piano. I think that playing the piano can relieve stress and create a sense of peace. I really enjoy music, so playing the piano is an important part of my life.

LVRR: What is one word you would say to someone who has just started running– whether it be a youth in the LVRR Kids Series, or an older individual- about why running is worth it?
AE: I would use the word “growth” to help someone realize why running is worth it. This is because running has allowed me to not only grow as a runner but mentally as well. Running allows people to grow and develop into a new version of themselves. This is one of my main focuses when running, and I think it would help a lot of people to stay positive while starting their running career.

LVRR: Is anyone else in your family a runner?
AE: My dad was the first runner in our family. He ran at Western Michigan and had a very successful career. All three of my older siblings ran cross country at some point throughout their high school career. My sister has run 2 half marathons since graduating high school in 2023, and others in my family enjoy running as well.

LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
AE: I raced the 5k in cross country. I ran the 4×8, 800, 1600, and 3200 in track.

LVRR: What is your favorite event to watch that you don’t do yourself and why?
AE: I really enjoy watching the 4x400m. Since it is the last track event, sometimes the whole track meet can come down to what team wins the 4×4. I think this adds extra excitement to the race. It is normally a very close race, so I love watching it.

LVRR: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
AE: When I don’t feel like going on a run, I think back to the times where I was unable to run. I have struggled with low iron, shin injuries, etc.. where I was either forced to take off or cross train. Thinking of those times always motivates me to go out for my run. Being able to move my body is a blessing, and I do not want to take it for granted.

LVRR: What are the top three “little things” that you do to prevent injury?
AE: Fueling, sleeping, and stretching are my three main little things to prevent injury. I believe that fueling your body correctly is a key component of being a successful runner. Sleep is also crucial to peak performance. Stretching before and after runs is a great way to warm up your muscles to prevent those small injuries from taking over.