Ava Cook Bio
Ava Cook (born October 3, 1998) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward. She played college soccer for the Grand Valley State Lakers and the Michigan State Spartans. She was selected by the Chicago Red Stars (later Chicago Stars FC) in the second round of the 2022 NWSL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Ava Cook grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan, where she played high school soccer and basketball for Lakeview High School. Her early exposure to soccer came through youth soccer programs, notably with Midwest United, which helped her develop her skills on the field.
Path to Soccer
Cook’s soccer journey continued at the collegiate level, where she played four years of NCAA Division II soccer at Grand Valley State University from 2017 to 2021. During her time there, she achieved significant success, winning Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) titles in all four seasons. Her standout performance came in 2018 when she led the conference with 24 goals, earning her a second-team All-American selection and a first-team All-GLIAC honor. In 2019, she excelled further by leading Division II with 29 goals, which earned her first-team All-American recognition. After her successful stint at Grand Valley State, she transferred to Michigan State University for a fifth season, where she continued to make an impact by leading her team with seven goals and receiving second-team All-Big Ten honors.
Ava Cook Career
Early Career (2022-Present)
Ava Cook was drafted 18th overall by the Chicago Red Stars in the second round of the 2022 NWSL Draft. She quickly became a regular player for the team, appearing in 19 out of 24 games during her rookie season in 2022. In 2023, she continued to showcase her skills, playing in 20 games. However, her career faced a setback in mid-April 2024 when she tore her ACL, which sidelined her for the remainder of the season. Despite this injury, Cook has made a significant impact on the field, scoring six goals across 51 NWSL appearances during her time with the Chicago Stars.
Breakthrough (2022-Present)
Cook’s breakthrough moment came with her selection in the NWSL Draft, marking her entry into professional soccer. Her consistent performance and ability to score goals helped establish her as a key player for the Chicago Stars. Her international career also began to take shape when she was called up to the United States national under-23 team for a friendly tournament in June 2022. During this tournament, she made her mark by scoring her first goal against India and adding another against Sweden.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ava Cook’s signature work includes her remarkable college career, where she earned multiple accolades and led her teams to victory. Her transition to professional soccer with the Chicago Stars has been marked by her resilience and determination, especially after overcoming her ACL injury.
Ava Cook Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Ava Cook has received recognition for her outstanding performances, particularly during her collegiate years, where she earned All-American and All-GLIAC honors.
Ava Cook Awards Won
Ava Cook has achieved notable awards during her college career, including multiple All-American selections and conference titles, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
Ava Cook Family
Information regarding Ava Cook’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Ava Cook’s personal life, including her relationships or marital status, are not publicly disclosed.