LYNN — With the Agganis All-Star Games kicking off Sunday, Ava Allaire of Lynn looks for double the memories. That’s because The Essex Tech graduate is suiting up in the girls soccer and lacrosse games.
“I’m so excited to play in not one Agganis game, but two,” said Allaire, who’s committed to studying and playing soccer at Franklin Pierce University. “That’s really exciting for me.”
Better yet, she gets to represent someone special, as her great, great uncle was Harry Agganis.
“I really appreciate representing him in all of my sports,” Allaire said. “My grandmother (Linda) and my mom (Rachel) are really excited for these games. That stuff means so much to them, representing him and just being able to have the opportunity to play in those games.”
Whether it be her soccer or lacrosse uniform, Allaire is set to wear number 33 – same as Harry.
“Ever since I was little, when I was playing youth soccer and youth lacrosse, I tried my best to wear number 33 because it’s such an important number in my family,” Allaire said. “It’s more important to me and has a very special place for me. I’m really honored to be able to represent him.”
The lacrosse defender and soccer winger was honored to hear of her selections. Opening an email for her soccer selection was quite the memory, and a coach informing Allaire of her lacrosse selection added to her excitement for several reasons.
“This will probably be the last time I play in a lacrosse game, so I’m really excited to play one last time,” Allaire said.
As for soccer, the Agganis Games also bring her closer to players from other schools and organizations.
“I’m really excited to play with those girls and against them,” Allaire said. “A few of the girls from my club soccer team (NEFC) are playing, so I’ll get to play with them one more time, too, which is really nice.”
The girls lacrosse game is Sunday at 11 a.m., while the girls soccer game kicks off Tuesday at 7 p.m. Both will be played at Manning Field in Lynn.
“[I want to] enjoy and see everyone, and just get the experience to play,” Allaire said. “I haven’t played in a while.”
She also looks forward to representing Essex Tech, as well as one last go-around with her fellow Hawks.
“I don’t think Essex Tech is represented enough in their sports,” Allaire said. “Especially for lacrosse because there’s four of us going – that’s really big and important for our school.”
High-school competition is all but over, but what she learned in her four years will be with Allaire forever.
“I’ve worked very hard in my athletics. It’s a big priority for me,” Allaire said. “A lot of my teammates have helped me the last four years with confidence and stuff like that.”
Allaire’s next stop is Franklin Pierce, but first, Agganis.
“I get to play one last time before my college season starts,” Allaire said. “It’s just exciting to play in the Agganis Games.”
