Ava Lopez earns Athena Award – Park Bugle

By Eric Erickson,
Sports analysis

Como Park High School senior Ava Lopez grew up playing soccer, basketball and other sports at Northwest Como Rec Center, adjacent to her childhood school, Chelsea Heights Elementary.

Eventually, soccer became her passion and the focus of her athletic energy. With a storied high school soccer career culminated by selection to the Minnesota All-State team, Lopez earned another prestigious honor when she was named Como’s winner of the Athena Award.

The St. Paul Area Athena Awards recognize one female high school senior from each East Metro high school. Lopez and the other recipients were honored at the Athena Awards Banquet on April 16 at the downtown RiverCentre.

Analysis of Lopez’s soccer credentials reveals skill and talent—21 career goals, 35 assists as a midfielder. She was twice chosen Como’s most valuable player, earning three all-conference awards and five varsity letters (she began playing Como varsity soccer as a Murray Middle School eighth grader).

Lopez developed during every offseason, playing futsal in the winter, playing club soccer for the St. Paul Blackhawks and seeking extra opportunities to keep challenging herself and improving her game.

“When it comes to coaching Ava, I really appreciated her urge to continue learning and growing in the sport,” said Como head coach Sumaya Mohamed.

Beyond skills and talent, it’s the leadership—on and off the field—that makes Lopez so appreciated and respected. She served as a captain in her junior and senior seasons and guided young players in the program, helping them become part of the Como community.

From keeping practices fun and inclusive to hosting teammates at her nearby home, Lopez helped everyone feel welcome.

“The community piece is really important to me,” Lopez said. “When I was a younger player on the team, my older teammates were encouraging. I tried to do the same and be open and inviting.”

Another foundation to Lopez’s growth and leadership in soccer came from her basketball experience as a freshman. After playing on the junior varsity team throughout the 2021-22 season, she was called up to the varsity to be part of the playoff roster.

It was quite a ride as that Como team advanced to the state tournament and won the third-place trophy. Being surrounded by such determined student-athletes was an inspirational boost for Lopez on her quest to maximize her talent.

She stepped away from basketball to focus on soccer, but cherishes the hoops memory. “I still have a piece of the net from when we cut it down,” Lopez said.

When she’s not playing soccer or studying (Lopez takes multiple AP classes and is a consistent honor roll student), she can frequently be found in the bleachers cheering for Cougar teams.

“It’s fun to cheer for our school. We root for each other—volleyball, basketball, all the sports—it’s good to be together for the same reasons.”

Ava Lopez is Como through and through—from working at the neighborhood meeting spot that is Conny’s Creamy Cone, to being voted the homecoming queen. She volunteers as a youth soccer coach and enthusiastically leads student council activities in school.

Lopez is a respected leader who is grateful for a supportive community—a community that loves to see youth thriving.

Next fall, Lopez will navigate a new environment in New York City, where she plans to major in forensic science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Lopez’s college also happens to have a soccer team. The coaching staff is thrilled to be welcoming a strong player from Minnesota. Playing at the NCAA Division III level is an appealing opportunity that will keep Lopez connected to the game she is still passionate about playing.

“I want to continue with soccer and make new friendships,” Lopez said. “I’m excited about what I’ll study, and also being independent and exploring a new city.”

Ava Lopez’s achievements, foundation and commitment in the Como community have positioned her to thrive at whatever comes next. 

Eric Erickson is a social studies teacher at Como Park High School and a longtime coach of school and youth sports in St. Paul.

Photo: Ava Lopez is Como Park’s Athena Award winner for 2025. Photo by Clara Haycraft.