PASS THE BAT: Voyiatzis slated to represent Team Greece at the Triple Crown International Challenge in Denver, Colorado

PASS THE BAT is a special section of the Thunder Blog that highlights exceptional Thunder player stories that impact the next generation of Thunder success. Passing the bat matters more than the hit itself. It’s about the hard work, dedication, and resilience it takes to be able to get on base for your team, and then passing that momentum, opportunity, and lessons to the next teammate.

If you can see her, you can be her.

For Thunder 16U National Scarcella outfielder Ava Voyiatzis (Class of 2027), softball is opening the door to something bigger than the game itself. This summer, Ava will represent Team Greece at the Triple Crown International Challenge, an event that brings together elite athletes from around America to compete while celebrating their Greek heritage. Selected to join Team Greece after coaches recognized her talent and potential, Ava will have the unique opportunity to wear her family's homeland name across her chest while competing on an international stage.

As she takes the field, Ava will do more than compete against top talent. She will serve as an ambassador for her heritage, build relationships with athletes from all over, and gain experiences that will shape her both as a player and as a person. Read our Q&A we had with Ava just a few weeks ahead of the 2026 International Challenge that will occur from June 25-28 in Denver, CO.

1. Can you tell us about your Greek heritage?

My father was born in Athens, Greece. His mother’s family is from the island of Crete, and his father’s family is from the island of Samos, which is the island of Pythagoras of the Pythagorean theorem (math refresher for those who have been out of school for a while: a² + b² =c²).

2 Tell us about how you're tied to being Greek: family traditions, fond memories, etc.!

-My last name means “painter” in Greek, which is pretty accurate because I absolutely love to paint and draw!

-A Greek tradition that we have held on tightly to is roasting a lamb on a spit every Greek Easter Sunday morning.

-Ten years ago on the island of Pythagoras, I visited a cafe in the village of Vourliotes that my great grandmother owned in the 1950s! It’s still there today, and it’s called “Blue Chairs”. It had black and white photos of my great grandparents and great aunts and uncles all over the walls. It was an awesome experience.

3. What inspired you to apply for the opportunity to play for Team Greece at the International Challenge?

I didn't actually apply, one of the Team Greece coaches had heard about me from another coach and reached out to me and asked to see my skills video, which Coach Jess helped me put together. I then was selected to represent Team Greece at the International Challenge. I was honored that they recognized my abilities and thought I could contribute to the team. Once I learned more about the opportunity, I was excited about the chance to represent my heritage through the sport I love.

4. How has growing up in the U.S. while having Greek heritage shaped your identity, especially as an athlete?

Growing up as a Greek American in New York has shaped my identity in many ways culturally and socially, but most importantly as an athlete. My family has always emphasized hard work, dedication, and taking pride in everything I do. Those values have helped me stay motivated through challenges I face on and off of the field and have taught me the importance of representing something bigger than myself.

5. What does it mean to you personally to represent Greece on an international stage like this?

Representing Greece means a lot to me because it allows me to honor my family's heritage while competing at a high level. It's an opportunity to represent not only myself but also my family and everyone who has supported me along the way. Wearing Greece across my chest will be a reminder of where my roots come from.

6. How do you hope this experience will impact your future—whether in softball or personally?

I hope this experience helps me grow both as a player and as a person. Competing against talented athletes with all different backgrounds will be certainly an honor and something I will never forget. I hope to create relationships and memories that will stick with me for a lifetime. This is going to be an achievement that I will always be proud of.

7. When you put on that Team Greece uniform for the first time, what do you think will be going through your mind?

It is definitely going to connect me to the Greece I know and love. I will feel a mix of excitement, pride, and gratitude. It will remind me of all of the wonderful times I have spent with my family in Greece enjoying the beaches, the food, and the culture. Greece is my second home and I can’t wait to represent it on the field.

For the next generation of Thunder athletes, Ava's journey is a reminder that hard work, character, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can take you far beyond the softball field. If you can see her, you can be her. Thank you Ava for PASSING THE BAT to the next generation of Thunder players by seeking adventure and greatness in new experiences!

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