A Champion On and Off the Green: Adilyn’s Journey at CAVA 

For eighth-grader Adilyn, education isn’t confined to a desk—it happens on the lawn bowling green, on the basketball court, and across the world as she competes in international tournaments. She has found the right environment as a student at California Virtual Academies (CAVA) to pursue both rigorous academics and elite-level athletics, proving online learning can support students in reaching their full potential. 

From Local Matches to International Competition 

Lawn bowling has been part of Adilyn’s life since she was five years old when she first began accompanying her father to the green. What started as a weekend activity soon became a passion. 

“My dad plays lawn bowls every weekend, so I started going with him,” she shares. “I got really interested, and by the time I was six and a half, I was competing.” 

Adilyn earned the opportunity to represent the United States in the Under-25 World Championships in December 2024 in Hong Kong—the first time a female player from the U.S. had ever competed in the event. She played 11 matches against athletes from nine countries, narrowly missing the quarterfinals in pairs. 

That wasn’t her only milestone. She traveled to Australia earlier in the year, where she became the first American under 18 to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Competing against much older and more experienced players, she proved that hard work and dedication lead to extraordinary achievements. 

Balancing School and Competition 

CAVA’s online model allows Adilyn to maintain a strong academic record while competing at a high level. When she traveled to Hong Kong, she adjusted her study schedule to accommodate her training and matches, often waking up at 2 a.m. local time to attend live class sessions before heading to the green. 

Her father has seen firsthand how much CAVA has helped her succeed in both academics and sports. 

“She wouldn’t have been able to do all of this in a brick-and-mortar school,” he explains. “CAVA gives her the support she needs, and the teachers have been very understanding. They make sure she stays on track while allowing her to pursue these opportunities.” 

Her teachers recognized the demands of her athletic commitments and provided the necessary support to stay on track with assignments and coursework. This approach enabled her to continue excelling in school. She is part of the Honors Program and currently taking Algebra I—an advanced course that challenges her academically. 

CAVA has given her the ability to focus on both her studies and her passion for sports without having to choose between the two. 

Commitment to Community 

Adilyn’s dedication extends beyond sports and academics. She and her father prepare and distribute meals every week to individuals experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. Their efforts have created a sense of connection with the people they serve, reinforcing the importance of compassion and giving back. 

This commitment to service is deeply ingrained in their family values. Whether competing on the international stage or volunteering in her community, Adilyn embraces every opportunity to make a difference. 

The Right Path for Success 

Adilyn’s story is a powerful example of how online education can support students as they pursue their dreams. Through strong academic programs, engaged teachers, and a structure for students to focus on their goals, CAVA has helped her build a foundation for success—both in the classroom and in competition. 

“The support system at CAVA is great,” she says. “The teachers are always there to help, and I’ve had more support here than at any other school.” 

Adilyn is preparing for another year of high-level tournaments with upcoming competitions in Australia and Ireland. She is proving young students can achieve remarkable things when given the right opportunities. We are excited to continue to support Adilyn’s commitment to her education while she represents the U.S. in international events. Go, Adilyn! 

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