Alumni Spotlight: Ava Hunwick’s Winning Transition from Athlete to Coach
At BluChip, we’re thrilled to showcase the journeys of exceptional collegiate athletes who’ve leveraged their time on the field and in the classroom to excel beyond graduation. Today’s spotlight shines on Ava Hunwick, a Pratt Institute graduate who’s now helping student-athletes navigate their own paths as a coach and mentor at Vermont State University-Johnson. With a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart, Ava reflects on her experiences, challenges, and aspirations, proving that the lessons learned through sports extend far beyond the scoreboard.
From Athlete to Graduate Assistant: Ava’s Current Role
Ava didn’t just hang up her cleats after graduation; she swapped them for a whistle and a clipboard. Now a graduate assistant in the athletics department, she juggles two major roles: assisting the Sports Information Director and serving as an assistant coach for the track and field team.
Her day-to-day involves everything from coaching athletes to creating game stats and graphics. It’s a mix of creativity, collaboration, and competition—right up Ava’s alley. “Coaching gives me a chance to help athletes enjoy their sport and work toward their goals in a positive environment,” she says. It’s a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly, knowing how much sports can mean for students balancing academic and personal stress.
Why Coaching Matters
For Ava, coaching isn’t about barking orders from the sidelines—it’s about building relationships and fostering trust. “My goal isn’t to push my own agenda,” she explains, “but to work with each athlete and incorporate their feedback into our approach.” She believes that collaboration, paired with lessons from her own time as an athlete, creates a unique space where athletes feel supported and empowered.
And it’s not just about winning. Ava wants her athletes to leave practices with a sense of joy and accomplishment, whether it’s nailing a tough drill or simply sharing a laugh with teammates. “Sports are an outlet, a way to channel energy and focus on something positive,” she adds.
Camaraderie Over Championships
When asked about her best memories from Pratt, Ava’s answer is refreshingly simple: the everyday moments. “It’s not just the big wins; it’s the clean through balls, the tough workouts, and the laughs during drills that stick with me,” she says. These little moments created bonds that turned teammates into lifelong friends. For Ava, the camaraderie of being part of a team is just as valuable as the lessons learned on the field.
The Role of Mentorship
Ava credits her former Pratt coach for guiding her toward her current role. “He reached out to me about this opportunity because he believed I was ready for it,” she recalls. That encouragement made all the difference, not just in landing the job but in reinforcing the value of mentorship. Now, she strives to pass that same sense of guidance on to her athletes, helping them see their potential and seize opportunities.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Transitioning from college to a professional role wasn’t without its bumps. Ava recounts the stress of moving cross-country and dealing with the unknowns: a new environment, a new job, and the pressure of being a good coach. “I didn’t handle it as well as I’d hoped,” she admits with a laugh. “Looking back, I’d tell myself to embrace the change and trust that I’m doing what’s best for me.”
Her advice for others? Take it one step at a time. “Don’t get caught up comparing your journey to others’. Focus on what feels right for you.”
Support from All Sides
One thing Ava appreciates most about her new role is the support she’s received from her colleagues. “Everyone in the department is super nice and helpful,” she says. “They let me take the lead on things I’m confident with, like design work, and walk me through new stuff like game stats.” That collaborative spirit has helped Ava settle in and feel more comfortable juggling her responsibilities.
Advice to Her Younger Self
If Ava could go back in time, she’d tell herself to stop stressing about “being a professional.” “I was so worried about doing everything perfectly and being the perfect adult,” she says. “Now I know it’s okay to focus on doing my best without putting that kind of pressure on myself.”
Her takeaway? Give yourself grace. Growth happens over time, not overnight.
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Ava is keeping things open-ended. “Honestly, I’m not quite sure yet, and I think that’s okay,” she says. For now, she’s focused on trying new things, pursuing her interests, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally. It’s a mindset that feels as liberating as it is inspiring.
The BluChip Takeaway
Ava’s journey from collegiate athlete to coach and mentor is a testament to the power of sports in shaping future leaders. Whether it’s through teamwork, mentorship, or tackling challenges head-on, Ava’s story reminds us that the lessons learned on the field often translate into success off of it. And for her, the game isn’t over—it’s just getting started.