Ava Waugaman is from Utah but has seen her game take off playing across state lines for the Team Colorado AAA program.

Recently, Waugaman committed to play NCAA Division III hockey next season for Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa., a situation that presented itself nearly a year ago.

“I got the opportunity to commit to LVC because they’ve seen me play many times in the past few seasons,” said Waugaman. “My billet sister from last season committed there, so they asked her for my contact information and got in touch with me. I started talking to them at the beginning of this season.

“The school is known to have high academic expectations. I was interested in their psychology majors and became even more interested in the school itself when I learned about all the academic recourses and opportunities they provide for their students. Their hockey team is a growing NCAA D-III program that just had the best season they’ve had so far. I’ve always heard great things about their coaches, which good coaching is always something I’ve valued on a team.”

Waugaman said academics have always been a priority in her life.

“In high school, I played two full-time sports and worked a job on top of going to school, so I always made sure to make time for my academics,” she explained.

Starting playing hockey in Utah when she was seven because her dad coached and both her brothers played, Waugaman said she started to strike an interest in the sport as well since she was always at the rink watching them.

The only youth program Waugaman has played for in Colorado is Team Colorado AAA.

“Chris Lockrem is the reason I’ve been able to improve my play a significant amount,” Waugaman said. “He also moved me up from defense to wing when I started playing for him, which is now my preferred position and what i will be playing in college. Hannah Westbrook has been a very positive influence for me this season. She pushes me to do my best and gives me opportunities to prove myself on the ice. She has also been a major help with college recruiting.”

Going forward, Waugaman has her goals set, both on and off the ice.

“My short-term goals for hockey are to work on getting a quicker shot off and fixing my form when skating,” she said. “My long-term goal was to play in college, and with being committed, I will get that opportunity. My short-term goals academically are to be on top of my schoolwork freshman year in college, not let my grades fall below Bs or Cs, and work towards internships for what I will major in. My long-term goal is to work towards a master’s degree.

“Overall, my goal in life is to put in the foot work, and just work for what i want, and not wait for things to come to me.”

Photo/Be Feral Media

— Matt Mackinder

(March 9, 2023)