Canada's Avery Tucker: Growing up in a family of champions

High-performance sport runs deep in Avery Tucker’s family. With parents, grandparents, and siblings who have all excelled at the highest levels of competition, it’s no surprise that she has become one of the driving forces of the Canadian U-18 Women’s National Softball Team, currently competing at the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2025.

When asked about her family’s sporting background, Tucker smiles with a mix of pride and excitement. “My grandfather (Jim Harrison) played in the NHL and also represented Team Canada. My mom (Ardin Tucker) competed for Team Canada in track and field. She was a crazy freak athlete — that’s what I’ve heard. And then my dad (Ben Tucker III) played [baseball] professionally for the Giants.”

Her brothers have also followed the family tradition. “My brother Nate won a gold and a silver medal in the 1,500 at the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 for Team Canada, and my youngest brother, Max, runs track for Team Canada. And my second oldest brother, he does not yet compete for Team Canada, but he plays baseball in college right now.”

Growing up in such an environment shaped her mindset from an early age. “Oh my goodness, I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned how to compete, that failure is the best type of learning, how to have grit, and how to play with my heart on fire all the time.”

For Tucker, representing her country is more than a dream — it’s a way of life. “It’s such an honour to represent Canada. Having the maple leaf on my jersey means giving 100% all the time because you’re representing your country.”

Her family is both a source of inspiration and a constant support system. “They definitely inspire me and support me in every way. They tell me: ‘Hey, go out there. You know you’re good, you know you can do it, and you’re picked to be on Team Canada for a reason.’”

The bond with her brother Nate, a Paralympic champion, is particularly strong. “Sadly, I couldn’t be in Tokyo or Paris, but I texted him a lot. We’re really close. We talk about practices, competing, nutrition — literally every aspect of being an athlete. He texts me before every game saying: ‘Good luck! You’re wearing the Team Canada jersey, go represent our country; you’re great; you’re gonna do amazing.’”

Watching Nate achieve his dreams has fuelled Avery’s own Olympic ambitions. “When my brother came home from Tokyo with his gold medal, he was so excited. I got to hold it, and it honestly just inspired me. He told me about the Olympic Village, the atmosphere, the track — how beautiful and amazing it all was. I hope to be there one day. It is my biggest dream.”