Ava Cook’s Unconventional Journey to NWSL Success
In the United States, many soccer players see playing Division 1 soccer as the primary pathway to turning their passion into a profession. However, that is not the only way to make a name for yourself at the highest level of the sport. Ava Cook took a less traditional path towards a budding soccer career. Here, we will explore Ava Cook’s soccer journey and how she became the second-round draft pick by the Chicago Red Stars in the 2022 NWSL Draft.
Cook’s Family and Club Career
Cook comes from a soccer family. Her parents coached soccer, and she credits that with giving her many high school-age role models when she was a young girl. She played for Midwest United for many years.
Leaving A Lakeview High School Legacy
Cook was a frequent scorer and a powerhouse player at her high school.
Cook was an immediate standout and four-year varsity letter winner. She was named to All-City, All-Conference, and All-State teams throughout her four years and notched 20 goals and seven assists in her senior season.
Grand Valley State Standout
As mentioned, Cook took an unconventional path to her draft pick. She played at Grand Valley State after high school, appearing in all 24 games her freshman year. Her impressive statistics earned her the GLIAC Freshman of the Year award at the end of the season.
From there, Cook kept growing and gaining accolades. She was a unanimous All-American selection, leading the conference in goals her sophomore year and the nation her junior year.
Cook’s spring 2021 season was cut short due to Covid-19 protocols, but that didn’t stop her from leading the Lakers to their fourth straight league title. In addition, her extra year of eligibility allowed her to look elsewhere to continue her soccer career. And her head coach from GVSU, Jeff, Holser, recently moved to Big Ten school Michigan State University.
Cook Enters Michigan State University
In the fall of 2021, Cook transferred to Michigan State University for her senior season. She drew on her soccer experience and knowledge and led the team with seven goals, three assists, 17 points, 77 shots, and three game-winning goals. She was named Second-Team All-Big Ten at the end of the fall. This standout season led to her getting noticed by the NWSL.
Chicago Red Stars and the 2022 NWSL Draft
This is where Cook jumped into the professional soccer spotlight. Cook was the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft. Her coaches and teammates commended Cook’s personal commitment to expanding her game.
“They said my name during the draft and I think I honestly blacked out,” Cook told the Battle Creek Enquirer. “To hear my name called for that is a dream come true. To become a professional soccer player is something I have worked my entire life for, since I was a little girl.”
Already, Cook has made an offensive impact, creating two goals and three assists for her team.
United States U-23 Team
In June 2022, Cook was called up to compete with the United States U-23 team. Cook stood out in the first international matches for this age group since Covid-19 shut down international play several years ago.
Opening New Doors
Cook is one of the youngsters changing the future of professional soccer in the U.S. Watch out for Ava Cook as she plays alongside big soccer names like Alyssa Naeher, Tierna Davidson, Mallory Pugh, and Kealia Watt on the Chicago Red Stars this season.
Cook’s path to professional soccer was not the typical one, and her future in the NWSL is promising. It opens the door for more opportunities and pathways for those who deserve to play with some of the best women in the nation.
Featured image via @chicagoredstars on Instagram
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