Composure defines her game.

Steady hands. Unwavering in the face of pressure. A game built on thousands of logged shots and over 15 hours on court weekly.

Described across the board as calm and consistent, Avary Campbell is the eye of a hurricane. But behind her storm of 3-pointers and aggressive mid-range game, lies a driving force: her jersey number.

“Because I wear my brother’s number, everything I do is for him,” Campbell said. “I just feel that I represent him and I want to make him proud, and everything I do is full effort for him.”

That number is 35.

It belonged to her brother, Jaxon Campbell, who died on Dec. 27, 2019 from a battle with the flu.

“In his 10 years, he had lived life to the fullest,” mother Katherine Campbell said. 

Known for his infectious energy, Jaxon lived with a relentless spirit — a spirit that ensures his legacy lives on through Avary’s basketball career. To honor his memory, a bench at Austin Elementary School overlooks the YMCA courts where he and Avary first fell in love with basketball.

“Jaxon was a typical older brother, but you could tell he loved Avary more than anything,” Mrs. Campbell said. “They bonded over basketball in a way that made them both highly competitive.”

Amidst Avary’s grief, basketball represented something far greater than before. 

”
It was the only constant that I had in my life at that time,” Avary said. “School was really hard because everybody asked about him, but basketball was the only thing that stayed the same.”

In the early stages of her career — from being on Jaxon’s YMCA team to making the A team at Coppell Middle School East — she remained a silent leader who modeled by example.

“As a person, she’s grown from being more shy to opening up on court,” sophomore guard Amber Coffey said. “When I first met her at CMS East, she was really quiet. But as you get to know her, she is really funny and kind.”

While her presence on court has grown, her discipline has been unrelenting, securing her a spot on varsity basketball at Coppell High School as a freshman.

“She is just a sophomore, but has the work ethic, character and coachability attributes of a senior,” girls basketball coach Kit Pehl said. “Her mental comprehension for the game is outstanding, and her ability to apply her IQ in a system new to her has progressed and continues to progress without question.”

Avary’s steady leadership earned her broader recognition when she was nominated for the Sports Illustrated Youth Athlete of the Year, an honor including a potential $25,000 scholarship. She advanced to the third round of the selection process and finished 14th in her group, gaining valuable social media exposure.

“To be considered for Youth Athlete of the Year, one has to bring more than ability in any game to the table,” Pehl said. “It is Avary’s well-roundedness in all phases of our program, on the floor and off, with and without the ball that separates her as a candidate for such a prestigious award.”

Off the court, without the ball, Avary’s support system is rooted in the strength found through her teammates.

“We have such an amazing culture this year that no matter what you’re going through on and off the court you know that you can rely on somebody if you need,” sophomore varsity manager Morgan Proctor said. “She will always make you feel welcome and included if you feel otherwise.”

Whether she is in a Coppell jersey or playing for her club team, Team Twin, her personality grounds those around her.

“She always uplifts and encourages her teammates even when they make a mistake,” Team Twin guard Katie Taylor said. “She’s genuinely kind to everyone around her.”

On Team Twin, they find comfort in praying before games. These rituals offer Avary to reconcile her grief with her larger sense of purpose.

“I’m Christian, and I believe that Jaxon went to heaven,” Avary said. “Nothing changes, but you find ways to deal with it and you realize that it was for a reason.”

As a sophomore, Avary lacks certainty about her future in basketball.

“I want to play basketball in college, but I don’t have a dream college right now,” Avary said. “The coaches and players will be different in a few years, so I don’t want to commit to anything.”

While she is not set on a destination, her origin remains strong.

“Jax would be so proud of who she is now, and she would give him a run for his money,” Mrs. Campbell said.

Despite the whirlwind behind college recruitment, Avary’s commitment to her brother is the unshakeable anchor at the heart of the storm.