West Chester Swimming & Diving Welcomes Newest Teammate Through Team IMPACT

WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The West Chester University swimming and diving team welcomed their newest and youngest teammate, 11-year-old Ava, on Sunday, October 16, through Team IMPACT. The Draft Day took place in Graham Natatorium and she was joined by her family, the whole men's and women's swimming and diving team and the coaching staff. In front of her new teammates, Ava signed her National Letter of Intent at the official Draft Day press conference, and became a Golden Ram. "With 12 freshman girls, this is the youngest team we have had here in the past 10 years. Today, we got even younger, and that is a good thing," assistant coach Steve Mazurek remarked. "Ava's already had an extraordinary impact on this team. Since meeting Ava, they have had more energy, they have been closer, and they have been more focused. Every team needs a little help to have success." Ava was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and is a local being from the West Chester area. While she continues to fight this disease, Ava is an inspiration to many. Ava's mother mentioned that she was "happy to be in the program." She continued to say how thankful she was for the West Chester University swim team. "Ava is very excited and loves hanging out with the team. She will be cheering the team on the rest of the season." West Chester is thrilled to bring Ava aboard, considering the amount of energy and passion she provides to the squad. West Chester sophomore swimmer Kellen Redcay organized the event. Redcay stated how "Ava's bright personality has already had a huge impact on our team. I can't wait to see where the rest of the se3ason will go with her by our side." Most importantly, Ava is excited to officially join the team. With all she battles through, she truly embodies what it means to be a fighter and is sure to be an inspiration to her teammates and coaches.