Ava Holliday '22 Recruiting Profile

Coaches and Recruiters, 

My name is Ava Holliday and I am a junior at Niskayuna High School. I began playing field hockey when I was 12 years old in seventh grade.  My inspiration to start playing was my older sister, Haley and through the past  5 seasons, I've grown to love the sport.  As I've grown as a person, I've also grown as a player. I'm able to swiftly block an oncoming opponent and take the ball to redirect it. As well as carry the ball successfully up the sideline, dodge, and quickly pass to advance the play. 

     By doing those things I inspire my team by being a leader on and off the field. I always give relentless support to my teammates, whether it is on the field, on the sidelines, or in everyday life. When the team is down due to a loss or being down a point or two, I'm able to redirect their focus from the negative side of things to the positive by saying some uplifting words or reassuring them that we can get back the points and win the game.

    Off the field, I have great academic standings. I am currently taking  2 honors courses in U.S. history and geography and chemistry  as well as AP human geography.  Last season I was a Scholar-Athlete which means I had a GPA of over 90%  while playing a varsity sport.  I began to consider college and my major when I was a freshman. I have always had a huge love for animals which consequently led to me wanting to be a veterinarian. So I want to major in biology or zoology and minor in business. Originally I  wanted to stick to SUNY schools, but since I joined NCSA my view of colleges has widely expanded. 

    Outside of school and field hockey, I am on a competitive dance team the travels around the state. I've been dancing since I was three years old but joined the competition team when I was 7 years old, and I do tap, jazz, and hip-hop. I am also part of the animal welfare club here at the high school. Last year I raised over $200 for an animal rescue in Pennsylvania with the help of the club by doing a bake sale and presentation in my English class. I also frequently volunteer at my church's breakfast fundraisers. 

    What sets me apart from my peers is my work ethic. My parents have taught me ever since I was young that I have to work hard for what I want, which is one of the building blocks of what makes me who I am. My coaches have also taught me that there is no full-time benefit with part-time work.