Timber Creek High School retires jersey of Ava Moore, killed in jet ski crash
The home section of Timber Creek High School’s gym was packed Friday night as the girls basketball team took on Fossil Ridge in its first game of the season.
But the night was about more than basketball: 18-year-old Timber Creek alum Ava Moore, who played on the team, was killed in a jet ski crash on Grapevine Lake in May.
The Falcons honored Moore by retiring her jersey after their 60-30 victory.
“Ava made a lasting mark on anyone who met her,” Timber Creek girls’ basketball coach Tina DeMichele said, noting that the crowd for Friday’s game was one of the largest she had seen.
“Ava was a thriving student-athlete who excelled in the classroom, on the court, and in her personal life,” DeMichele said.
A member of Timber Creek’s class of 2024, Moore returned to North Texas to spend time with her family before beginning basic training at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
“Her dream was to serve our country in the U.S. Air Force,” said U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne, who recommended Moore to the academy. “That was a dream that she carried with passion, that she championed with such determination and courage and faith.”
Moore received full military honors from the Air Force at her funeral.
Elizabeth Marsh, who taught Moore at Keller ISD’s Timber Creek High, helped advocate for the Texas House of Representatives to pass a resolution in Moore’s honor, designating Nov. 7 as “Ava Moore Day.”
“With the help of Rep. Nate Schatzline, not only was Ava recognized, she was blessed,” Marsh said. “So, yes, it’s been Ava Moore Day at Timber Creek Nation, but it’s Ava Moore Day in the state of Texas.”
A representative from Schatzline’s office presented Moore’s family with a copy of the resolution.
“Tonight, as we retire her jersey, we’re not saying goodbye,” DeMichele said. “We’re making sure 21 will live forever and be a symbol of heart, dedication, kindness, leadership, inspiration and love.”
Donations to a scholarship fund in Moore’s name totaled over $4,500 after the game, DeMichele said.
This story was originally published November 7, 2025 at 11:01 PM.
