Avery Shunneson

THROWER/PRINCETON

Avery's journey into the world of throwing started in eighth grade, and from the moment he laid hands on the discus, there was no turning back. His dedication to the sport intensified at Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver, CO where he honed his skills in discus and shot put. As a freshman, Avery proved his mettle by securing a spot in the highly competitive Colorado State Championships, competing amongst the best in the 4A division.

In his sophomore year, Avery clinched a remarkable third-place finish at the state meet, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft. However, like many, his junior season was cut by the unforeseen disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was at this point Avery came to CoachXPro and began working through that time off with Coach Jeremy Bubb.

Adversity only fueled Avery’s desire to succeed. In his final year at TJHS, Avery unleashed a triumphant performance that would go down in history. Not only did he take home the state title for both throws, but also broke the 4A state meet record for discus. It was a defining moment that showcased Avery's relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to rise above challenges.

Under Coach Bubb's watchful eye, Avery fine-tuned his technique, unleashing a side of his potential he had only seen a handful of times. Their collaboration resulted in astonishing personal records, with Avery achieving an awe-inspiring throw of 198 feet 2 inches in discus and a massive 57 feet 5-inch throw in the shot put. Smashing his previous personal bests by 31 feet and 11 feet respectively.

Avery's outstanding achievements did not go unnoticed, and his talents garnered attention from Princeton University. Seizing the opportunity to continue his athletic journey, Avery committed to Princeton as a freshman standout in 2021.

True to form, Avery made an immediate impact in his debut season at Princeton and into his sophomore season in the 2022-23 season. Venturing into weight throw, he expanded his repertoire and achieved a personal best of 19.09 meters in his first season with the event. His discus prowess also soared to new heights, with an impressive throw of 54.32 meters with the heavier collegiate discus. His remarkable achievements culminated in a notable fifth-place finish at the Ivy League Heptagonal meet, solidifying his position among the Ivy League's elite competitors. Avery's performances not only garner admiration from his teammates but also solidify his status as a rising star in the NCAA.

Avery qualified as an East Region NCAA contender, a prestigious achievement reserved for the most exceptional athletes in the region. His teammates acknowledged his extraordinary character and elected Avery as a team captain following his sophomore year, a role he will certainly embrace with humility and grace.

Beyond his personal accomplishments, Avery's passion for the sport led him to embrace the role of coach for Colorado's high school throwers during the summer months. He selflessly shares their knowledge and experience, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of athletes, leaving an indelible mark on the track community. It’s not only his talent and his knowledge of our program but his ability to lead and inspire others that made him an obvious choice to add to this summer’s throws camp. He’s also fluent in Spanish :)

Personal Bests

1.6kg discus: 198’ 2”
2kg discus: 178’ 2”
12lb shot: 57’ 5-1/2”
Weight throw: 62’ 7-3/4”