Passion, Perseverance, and Purpose

Ava Rotondi is 17 years old and currently a senior at St. Joseph by the Sea High School. For nearly a decade, a single presence has been constant in her life: Flag Football. What started as an afterschool activity quickly became her passion, her motivation, and ultimately, the foundation of who she is. Through each game, practice, and tournament, flag football hasn’t just been a sport—it’s been a transformative journey sewn deeply into her identity.

Falling in Love with the Game

She began playing flag football at just eight years old. It was a neighborhood recreational league, and from the first snap, she knew something clicked. There was something special about the speed, the strategy, and the team dynamics that captivated Ava. Over time, as she played more games and tested herself in different settings, Ava understood this wasn’t just a phase—it was a lifestyle. Weekends were dedicated to scrimmages and tournaments, and she relished every second of it.

As her love for the sport grew, she looked for ways to elevate her game. This search led Ava to THT, an incredible travel flag football organization. Joining THT changed everything. She was now surrounded by highly competitive athletes who challenged her both mentally and physically. The level of coaching, the intensity, and the shared goal of getting better every day taught Ava what it truly means to give your all to something you love.

Varsity Spot as a Freshman and Learning Through Experience

When Ava entered high school at St. Joseph by the Sea, she was determined to make a name for herself. That dedication paid off when she earned a varsity starting position as a freshman. Standing on that field, amid seasoned upperclassmen, was both humbling and empowering. She put in the extra reps, the extra hours, and asked every question if she could to get better. The first season taught me that talent opens doors, but work ethic ensures you stay in the room.

The camaraderie found with teammates both in high school and at THT was just as critical as the game itself. Every workout and every bus ride brought me closer to people who’d become lifelong friends. Growing up on the field together, winning together, and learning from our losses. These shared experiences taught Ava more than any stat line ever could.

The NFL FLAG Female Player of the Year Honor

One of the most surreal experiences of Ava’s flag football career was being named the NFL FLAG Football Female Player of the Year. To be recognized by an organization like the NFL as the top female player among countless talented athletes across the nation was both astonishing and validating. It represented all the hours of early morning drills, long drives to tournaments, and dedication beyond measure.

The award reminded her of why she plays: not just for recognition, but to be part of something bigger—to represent the strength and growing potential of young women in sports. It also reinforced her responsibility to keep raising the bar, both for herself and the girls looking up to her. This recognition wasn’t just about one year—it elevated the effort and resilience behind the entire journey.

Disney World Championships and the MVP Nod

Disney World holds many magical moments for families—but to Ava, nothing was more magical than playing (and winning) the Disney World Championship with the team. The competition was fierce. These were the best teams in the country. Every play, every movement mattered. To come out on top and receive the MVP award among that elite talent was one of the proudest moments of her young life.

But even more rewarding was winning as a team. Sharing sideline high-fives, strategizing during timeouts, and celebrating the final whistle with her own teammates created a sense of trust and unity. They weren’t the biggest or flashiest team, but they were built on heart and hustle. That championship wasn’t just a trophy—it was a decade in the making.

NFL FLAG National Championship Victory

Another milestone that holds a special place in her heart was winning the NFL FLAG National Championship. Competing against top-tier teams in high-stakes conditions was everything her and her teammates had prepared for. The nerves, the pressure, the level of play—it all required maximum focus and peak performance.

The moment they clinched the title, it felt like everything she had worked for aligned. Years of repetition, film review, and continuous growth led to that instant of validation. Aside from the win, the championship showed them just how far we’d come as athletes and as a team. It was a victory rooted not just in skill, but in preparation and total belief in one another.

Recognition from Oakley and the All-American Army Flag Bowl

Being named an All Oakley National Team member marked another career highlight. This wasn’t about one-game excellence; it honored consistency and character through the entirety of a season. To be noticed for every sprint, every pass deflection, and every moment she supported her teammates was truly rewarding. It served as proof that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed—especially when you maintain integrity on and off the field.

On a similar note, being selected to participate in the All-American Army Flag Bowl was unforgettable. Competing alongside and against some of the most elite high school players in the nation instilled an even deeper appreciation for the game. Wearing the All-American title came with an expectation: to lead with effort, respect, and love for the sport. Ava took this responsibility seriously, representing not just herself but every teammate and coach who helped her reach this level.

30+ Tournament Wins and What They Represent

Throughout the years, the team and Ava have won over 30 tournaments. Each one carried a different story: the comeback victories, the dominant runs, and those determined grinds through bracket play. Winning is never easy, but those 30+ championships reflect a commitment to constant improvement and resilience.

Every tournament posed new challenges. Adversity doesn’t discriminate, but it builds champions. And those hard-fought gusty wins were often the ones that taught us the most. They lost some final games, too—and those stung, but these losses weren’t about failure. They were about absorbing lessons, improving our chemistry, and returning better than before. Success, Ava learned, is born out of persistence, not perfection.

Beyond the Field: Personal Growth and Team Bonds

Flag football has shaped her far beyond athletic achievements. She has grown as a leader, a communicator, and more importantly, as a teammate. Learned how to hold herself accountable, how to inspire trust, and how to stay consistent through highs and lows. These qualities will follow her far beyond the end zone.

Flag football introduced Ava to people who are now like family. From younger teammates inspired to join the sport, to seasoned coaches whose advice still echoes in her mind, every relationship built through flag football has added value to her life. The connection runs deeper than competition—it’s a shared pursuit of excellence, and that kind of bond never fades.

The Future of Women’s Flag Football

The sport of flag football is growing rapidly—and she is beyond proud to be part of this movement, especially for young women. The recent announcement that the NCAA has added women’s flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program across all three divisions is a historic and exciting milestone. Opportunities Ava and other young student athletes have dreamed of growing up are now becoming realities for the next generation.

This legitimization of the sport renews hope for athletes everywhere. It shows that persistence, visibility, and advocacy matter. As someone who has devoted so much to flag football, she can finally see the late nights, road trips, and extra workouts paying off not just for herself—but for all girls hoping to make a future in this sport.

What Lies Ahead

Looking forward, Ava’s goal is to keep challenging herself and pursuing excellence. Whether on a tournament field or mentoring younger athletes, she wants to embody everything this sport has taught me: discipline, passion, camaraderie, and purpose. Ava wants to keep being not just a great player, but someone who moves the sport forward.

The sky’s the limit—not only because of her skills, but because of the community that fuels Ava. Flag football has taught me that strength is grown through shared experience, and that true accomplishment is about lifting others with you. As she continues her journey, she hopes to inspire, just as she was inspired—a full-circle legacy born on the flag football field.