Player | Ava Calabria
D.O.B | 04/10/2002
Height | 5’9”
Weight | 154lb

School | Salem State to Suffolk
Class | Fall 2025
GPA & SAT | 4.0

INTRODCUTION STATEMENT
I have been an avid hockey player since nine years old and since my early teens have represented Australia in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships, and play in Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) up to and including 2024. I want to perform at my best on a College roster.

I love CrossFit and played Premier League Soccer growing up while recently I also represented Sydney University in Rugby Union. I have an avid passion for Music and have been a singing teacher for 3 years. 

My university studies led me to a full time job (Business Management) with Chief Executive Women (CEW) and has been an exhilarating learning experience, significant in that it has given me both courage and direction, to follow a career in sport management, and advocacy for women in sport, at whatever level.

TEAMS REPRESENTED
2024
Australian National Women's Ice Hockey Team, Reserve Forward.
Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL), Sydney Sirens
2023
Australian National Womens Ice Hockey Team, Reserve Forward.
Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL), Sydney Sirens
Gold Medal, Joan McKeown Championship | Women's National Champions
2022
Australian National Womens Ice Hockey Team, Reserve Forward.
Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL), Sydney Sirens
2021
Australian National Womens Ice Hockey Team, Reserve Forward.
Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL), Sydney Sirens
2020
IIHF tournament cancelled due to covid-19
Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL), Sydney Sirens
Gold Medal, Joan McKeown Championship | Women's National Champions
2019
Australian National Women's Team I Senior IIHF Women's World Championships, Scotland
Assistant Captain -  U18 Australian National Women's Ice Hockey Team, who competed in IIHF U18’s Women's World Championships, Spain.
Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL), Sydney Sirens
Silver Medal, Joan McKeown Championship | Womens National Runner-Up
2018
U18’s Australian Women Ice Hockey Team I IIHF World Championships in Katowice, Poland
Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL), Sydney Sirens
Silver Medal, Joan McKeown Championship | Womens National Runner-Up
2017
Gold Medal IIHF U18 World Championships in San Sebastian, Spain
U18 Australian Women Ice Hockey Team
Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL), Sydney Sirens Gold Medal, Joan McKeown Championship | Women's National Champions

Coach | Ray Kizzie
(978) 542-5104
rkizzie@salemstate.edu

UNIVERSITY MARKS
Suffolk University, MA, Interior Design (commencing Fall 2025).
Salem State Univeristy, BA, Business Management 2024.
University of Technology Sydney (B.A Business Management | Events & Sports Major.
UTS Elite Athlete Program Scholar 2023, 2022, 2021.

ACADEMIC GOALS
I plan to pursue a MA Architecture & Interior Design. I attended University of Technology Sydney to study my Bachelor of Business Management with an Events & Sports Major. I transferred to Salem State and then Suffolk for Fall 2025 to continue playing studying in College.

COLLEGE GOALS
My college goals are to be part of a Winning Team. I want to train and play hard, inspire my team mates with hard work, top performances and be on a Team that wants to win Conference, go to Nationals and see how far we can go. I am eager to make lifetime connections, embrace a new environment, learn from my coaches and teammates and contribute my skills and passion also to the broader college community.

LIFE GOALS
My life goals are rooted in my passion for sports management, communication, and advocacy for women in sports. I aspire to play college hockey, contributing as a leader both on and off the ice. I aim to graduate with distinction, pursue an MBA with a focus on management, and disrupt norms in women's sports. My current work with Chief Executive Women (CEW) Australia has strengthened my commitment to advancing gender equality in sports, and I envision taking on leadership roles in organizations dedicated to this cause. Building a strong global network, using my communication skills to challenge stereotypes, and inspiring the next generation through educational outreach are all part of my vision. My goals reflect a holistic approach, prioritizing personal well-being and continuous learning. I want to make a positive mark.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO COMPETE IN COLLEGE?
I have played at multiple IIHF World Championships, with 1 IIHF Gold medal, 3 National Championships, 2 silver National medals so I have a taste of the Elite and want more. I have played and performed as one of the top players in Australia for over 7 years and I know that my work ethic and willingness to perform can be of a great benefit to the roster I compete with.

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT?
What sets me apart is my ability to navigate life with ADHD, turning what some may see as a challenge into a distinctive advantage. In the realm of a non-neurotypical mind, I've developed a unique perspective and skill set. While my focus may differ from the norm, I capitalize on my capacity for hyperfocus to consistently exceed expectations. Balancing full-time work, elite ice hockey, and concurrent full-time studies showcases my ability to thrive in multiple domains simultaneously. As my father wisely emphasized, ADHD doesn't break me; it shapes me into someone who can leverage adversity into success.