Two and a half years ago, Ava Schramm was entering her sophomore year at Scripps Ranch High School.

Little did she know that hard work in the offseason would earn her a spot on the varsity field hockey team in head coach Elizabeth Jacobs’ first season.

“I was ecstatic, like there was no other way to describe it,” Schramm said.

“It was something I was working toward all summer. I was going to camps, and I was running constantly. I ran the fastest mile Ive ever run. I was pushing myself so much. To see that hard work was paying off, was such a big deal.

Being on the varsity as a sophomore gave Schramm the confidence to compete in the Falcons’ high-level program. Scripps Ranch has won 12 CIF San Diego Section titles, including three straight Open Division championships in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

There was no championship in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ever since freshman year, I really grew passionate for the sport and seeing I can be a good player as an underclassman, being on varsity for such a competitive program, it was just so surreal to me that I got to have that experience,” Schramm said.

Since getting the call up to the varsity, Schramm has fought for her starting role.

“I had to continue to push myself every day to earn my starting spot,” said the Falcons senior. “Starting as a sophomore, it was something every day I was like, ‘OK, I need to keep fighting for this.’ Youre on that team for a reason. So, I had this mindset of, I cant stop until I achieve my goal.”

That mentality has translated into this season as the 14-8 Falcons are ranked No. 5 in the section’s power rankings with playoff seedings announced Saturday.

As the season winds down, Schramm understands there is no time to get complacent.

“I only have so many games left, so I need to leave it all out there,” she said. “I have to give it all out there, so everybody else gives it their all and we push each other.”

As the last three years have progressed, that desire to get better and win has led to becoming a leader.

Jacobs said having Schramm, who was named the Laurie Berger Invitational Most Outstanding Player in September after her team went 6-0, as a captain has been crucial, especially with her work ethic.

“She has made such steady growth, has always had such heart and such a desire to lead and to win,” Jacobs said. “So, having her as a senior is great because shes such a good leader, she leads by example, and she leads with her voice.

“She’s telling the girls what we need to do, what she needs to do, but then she also shows it. Shes always on time for practice, always doing that little extra and just being a leader on and off the field.”

Off the field, Schramm leads in other ways. Shes part of ASB as the senior class vice president.

“It has been a huge responsibility, but it has also been such an amazing experience,” said Schramm, who has been part of ASB for three years.

“Its something that Ive become really passionate about, being able to help others and be that leader for my whole class.

Being able to balance ASB and field hockey is something that takes preparation and communication.

“Its definitely a lot in the fall, especially planning homecoming, other fundraisers and things going on, but I plan out my week the best I can,” Schramm said. “My ASB advisor and I try to balance out my schedule, and I make it as much as I can. I definitely have to prioritize and make sure that Im fulfilling all my responsibilities.

At home, Schramm is also a leader, being the oldest of three siblings. On most nights, Schramm does everything at home, taking care of her two siblings because both parents work at night.

“Thats definitely shaped a lot about who I am,” said Schramm, who hopes to study nursing in college. “I take a lot of responsibility in caring for my siblings including my brother, who just turned 7. There are nights Ive had to make dinner.

“That has made me definitely a leader for my younger siblings and someone I hope they look up to as well.”