University of Toronto Athletics

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's water polo team is proud to announce the addition of Ava Stimson to their 2023-24 roster.
 
Stimson has spent most of her water polo career playing for California Republic and American River water polo clubs. She also played for her high school, St. Francis Catholic High School. At St. Francis, she was a three-year Offensive Player of the Year Award winner, two time CIF All-Delta League, and two-year USAWP Academic All-American. She participated in multiple USA Olympic Development Program (ODP) clinics and official university camps. Last year, she spent the summer in Italy playing for the Bogliasco club team. 
 
“Ava is an excellent power forward,” reflected Blues head coach, George Gross, Jr. “Her ability to counter-attack, drive , post up in the center and shoot hard from distance makes her a multiple threat on offence.”
 
Outside the pool in high school, she was a leader of many clubs: assistant captain to speech team, member of Christian Service Leadership, founder of the Environmental Club, president of the Young Independents Club, and leader of a revived concert band. As part of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), she made the honour roll for three years, and received the Patron of the Arts Award in her senior year. She also participated in her local community as an active member and volunteer for Divine Savior Parish, Surfrider Foundation, Sacramento Tree Foundation and The American River Parkway Foundation. 
 
“I decided to come to U of T because I want to continue both my academic and athletic pursuits to my fullest extent,” stated Stimson. “I admire the balance U of T offers for student-athletes and how we are given the opportunity to pursue both, and not have to make a choice. The water polo community here is unlike any other that I have found and I am beyond grateful to call this place home for the next four years.”
 
Stimson will pursue studies in Environmental Science and Political Science through University College.