Milligan inks first women’s flag football recruit

Photo with Family | Photo with Coach

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Dec. 13, 2020) – Ava Sorrentino is the first signee for Milligan University's newly established women's flag football program. Sorrentino signed her letter of intent Sunday at Steve Lacy Fieldhouse.

"I am thankful for this opportunity that God has given me, and I cannot wait to start getting to work and building up this program with Coach Mac and the others," Sorrentino says. "I am so glad that I have a supportive family around me that is backing me up, and I would not be here if I did not have them."

Sorrentino comes from Waxhaw, North Carolina, where she graduated from Metrolina Christian Academy after spending 12 years at United Faith Christian Academy. She has played basketball since the fifth grade and earned the most improved player of the year at the end of her senior season. Prior to that season, Sorrentino earned awards such as heart and hustle player of the year while also being named team captain at United Faith Christian Academy.

"I am incredibly excited for the program's very first recruit," Head Coach Rachel Sianez says. "Ava is going to be joining us in the spring and will bring a competitive mindset and incredible work ethic. She is going to be a fantastic addition to the program and is going to bring a lot of depth on the field."

During her high school career, Sorrentino also worked hard in the classroom. She finished her United Faith Christian Academy career with a 3.9 grade-point average before earning the head of school academic award at Metrolina Christian Academy.

"I want to set a tempo for this program that gets people excited about this new and upcoming sport that will in time attract more potential recruits in the seasons to come," Sorrentino says. "Hopefully, my signing will spur others to become involved in this sport or at least take a look at it."

Sorrentino adds that she comes from a competitive sports family and has a spirit of competitiveness that helps give her a strong work ethic and mindset of determination that pushes her further physically and mentally. She says she also believes that every teammate has something different that is vital to making the team successful. 

"Ava will be setting the tone for future flag football players here at Milligan and will aid the growth in women's sports, especially here in the south," Sianez adds. "I am looking forward to seeing Ava's leadership shine through in the upcoming seasons."