BT Star Ava Young Commits to NCAA Soccer

BT Star Ava Young Commits to NCAA Division I Soccer
Posted on 12/16/2024
Soccer

By Larry Moko

'IQ' equals 'Q' for Ava Young of Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School.

According Titans senior girls' soccer coach Christina Barbati, Young earned a scholarship to Quinnipiac University largely because of her smarts on the pitch.

"Ava's soccer IQ is very high," Barbati said. "She's really smart player. She's an amazing athlete but her soccer IQ sets her apart from everyone else."

Young has committed to attend NCAA Division I Quinnipiac University, which is based in Hamden, Connecticut. She'll be suiting up the Bobcats, who play in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Quinnipiac finished with a 14-5-1 overall record last season -- 10-2 in its conference.

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity," the Grade 12 student said during her signing ceremonies at the BT gym Friday. "It's been a dream of mine my whole life to play DI soccer."

Young's soccer journey began at the age of 4 in Ajax. Then, when the family moved, she played for the Ancaster Soccer Club, Mount Hamilton, Hamilton United and lastly the Oakville-based Rush Academy.

"A lot of schools came asking about Ava," Young's father, Chris, said. "We spent a lot of time in the car driving to nine or 10 showcase tournaments each year.

"Ava took some time to think about it and felt like Quinnipiac was the best pick for her soccer and school."

Young's recent training at Rush Academy involved U17 games against some top-flight women's teams.

"As a freshman," Young said, "I'll have to work hard for my spot in the starting lineup. But I see myself being able to fit right in."

Her position is right wing.
"She can cross the ball like there's no tomorrow," Andrea Davis, Young's junior coach at Tonnos for two years. "I'm definitely not surprised she got a scholarship. She's coachable and has a great attitude."

Young has also excelled at field hockey and flag football for the Titans. In soccer, she was part of the Tonnos squad that travelled to Hawaii.

"She's an impact player ... kind of a game-changer," Barbati said. "She's very skilled on the ball. Her footwork is amazing and her speed is unreal."

Barbati said Young simply creates magic on the field that can change a game.

"As a coach," Barbati said, "there's no greater feeling than watching Ava not only develop in her sport but also grow into someone who embodies the values of hard work, perseverance and determination."

When asked about her goals at Quinnipiac, Young said: "I want to win a MAAC championship and make it to an NCAA tournament.
"I also want to get my physio-therapy degree. That's what I'll be studying."

Photos by Richard Andoga

More photos on the HWCDSB Athletics Facebook page here

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