The clock ticks down to the last seconds as senior Ava Grosso breaks through the defense and fires a rocket into the back of the net. The crowd erupts in applause as her teammates pour onto the field to celebrate.
After every district soccer season, the soccer coaches from District 6A-26 come together and choose the top players in the district to win special awards. Ava Grosso was one of the recipients of the Co-Offensive Player of the Year for second time in a row. “My initial reaction when I found out I was Co-offensive MVP was shocked,” Grosso said. “I knew I got it last year but I felt like the competition this year was a bit higher.”
Grosso has led the team in goals and assists, for two years, making her debut as captain this year. She started playing soccer recreationally at four years old and has continued to move up levels ever since then.
“My biggest influence and mentor during my soccer career was definitely my coaches at FC Westlake,” Grosso said. “They really helped me find my love for soccer and really instilled hard work and effort into me.”
Although Grosso’s coaches have helped her immensely, she consistently worked to improve her skills and performance. Although hard work can’t be beaten, Grosso’s coaches have implemented training programs to help her improve.
“Ava has such a drive and determination to be good,” Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach Carrie Hoffman-Howell said. “That strong work ethic and drive has really carried her through the four years of each year. She has just been getting better, faster, quicker with the ball, and scoring more goals.”
Grosso’s work ethic has carried her through high school and into her college career. Recently, Ava committed to play D1 soccer at the University of Texas at El Paso.
“I am feeling nervous about the transition from high school to college soccer,” Grosso said. “Now that it feels more real, I am excited for something new and I am ready to put forth the effort into being successful in El Paso.”
Grosso just wrapped up her senior season and is focused on college. Although she is moving on from high school, she still is grateful for the opportunities that have arisen from playing high school soccer.
“My teammates were definitely the biggest part of my success this season,” Grosso said. “They alway work hard in order to help me score and have supported me on and off the field.”
Grosso says her teammates have always been on her side and have been with her throughout her recruiting process. One of Grosso’s closest friends and teammate, Macy Jennings has been one of her biggest supporters.
“Ava is the social butterfly of the team,” Jennings said. “She’s never afraid to speak her mind, but always wants everyone to have a good time.”
According to Hoffman-Howell, Grosso’s personality is visible on the field. Grosso has an important role in games.
“She can preform under pressure,” Hoffman-Howell said. “That is something that she really brings to the team.”
Hoffman-Howell also mentioned how Grosso has shown great leadership and is someone that her teammates look up to. However, responsibility to keep her team in the game comes with a lot of pressure.
“I do feel like I have a lot of pressure on me and sometimes I get nervous before games,” Grosso said. “However, at the end of the day I just chill out and have fun and that usually makes me play better.”
Even though Grosso has pressure on her, she is still able to perform well enough to draw attention. According to Hoffman-Howell, during her junior year, Grosso had a breakout season which put her on the map.
“Last year everyone just discovered her but this year they knew her,” Hoffman said. “Ava has grown so much and she carries that into life, it has been amazing to watch her develop into such a great person.”
According to Hoffman-Howell has continued to develop and mature throughout her years at Bowie and plans to bring that into college. Grosso has shown that she has been a very crucial member on the field and off the field for her teammates by encouraging them when they are down.
“I love her positive attitude, her upbeat vibe, her foot skills, and how she can find the back of the net,” Hoffman-Howell said. “Her shots are very powerful, she can pull the trigger very quickly and she is fast. Overall, she is just a very talented player and I can’t wait to see what she does in college.”
The development she has demonstrated has assisted her in going to the highest collegiate level. According to her teammates and coaches she has grown significantly over the past four years, and was able to become the strong, motivated player they love today.
“Ava’s growth as a player and person has significantly changed once she started to understand the game, she got better and really pushed herself to do things that others can’t,” Jennings said. “Ava’s my best friend, it’s so easy to support someone that has your back as much as she does.”
According to her teammates, Grosso has a never give up mentality that she carries onto the field. Even when the team is losing, she gives it her all and doesn’t give up until the final whistle. However, her time at high school is short lived.
“I am definitely going to miss playing with my best friends,” Grosso said. “They are always there for me and we have made the best memories throughout my four years of Bowie soccer.”
Although Grosso is leaving her life in Austin behind she said she is grateful for the experiences that high school soccer has given her. She dedicates where she is today to her teammates and is proud of what she has accomplished.
“Ava’s worked her butt off to get where she is today, so the co-offensive MVP is nothing but deserving for her,” Jennings said. “I can’t wait to see what she does at the next level. Everyone needs someone like Ava on their team.”
