What’s in a nickname? For Arkansas soccer standout Ava Tankersley… everything. “Tank” is an apt nickname. Tall, athletic, and full of offensive firepower, Tankersley has bulldozed her way through opponents and ranks among the best in the country in assists. But make no mistake, the junior forward likes to score, too. Athletic success runs in the family. Her dad played in the big leagues with the Padres, and her mom’s a marathon runner. It’s given her an easy career goal—matching her parents. But it takes hard work to get to that level. And Tank has Arkansas coach Colby Hale to thank for reaching new heights. Her performances have been off the charts for a program that has won three-straight SEC titles in the three years she’s been on campus. In this conversation with Hogs+ senior contributor Clay Henry, it’s the story of how Ava Tankersley has developed into a key cog for the Razorbacks.
