Published November 5, 2025
BY TULLAH McCOLL
Senior Ava Staehle closes out her final fall athletic season at CHS as a captain on the varsity girls’ field hockey team, with 42 goals placing her first in the state and fifth in the nation for most goals, while also thriving on the girls’ varsity flag football team, where she has six interceptions, three of which she was able to convert into pick-sixes.
“If there is any kid that can play two sports at once, it’s her,” says CHS field hockey head coach Andrea Smith.
Since the dedicated player’s freshman year, Smith has watched the center forward’s stick skills improve to match her speed on the field, and the stats followed. When given the opportunity to play flag football in addition to field hockey during her sophomore year, Staehle fell in love with the duality of playing two competitive sports in one season. But the next year she was forced to make a choice, and she chose field hockey.
Staehle uses her speed on the field to dominate by averaging 2.3 goals per game in the 2025 season. courtesy of AVA STAEHLE
This year, by negotiating with her coaches, Staehle was able to pave the way to participate in both sports.
“[As a senior] I knew how fun both sports were and I wasn’t ready to give either one up,” shares the committed athlete, who also plays soccer in the winter and softball in the spring.
Staehle’s determination and goal-hungry attitude makes it difficult for her to take breaks when she is focused on winning and becoming the best she possibly can.
“She is never satisfied with mediocrity, and she always plays with a chip on her shoulder,” says varsity flag football head coach Phil Johnston. “Coach Smith, Ava and I decided that she would make field hockey a priority when our games overlapped, but she has been able to make it work.”
On Oct. 6, the tenacious player even made the drive from Salinas High School, after scoring five goals in field hockey’s 6-0 win, to King City High School for her flag football game.
“The hardest part about playing two sports at once is staying caught up with both when they are so different,” says the 5-foot speedster, “but I stay motivated to be the best I possibly can at each sport. Giving up isn’t an option.”
Ava Staehle’s intense game focus aids her strength on the field hockey pitch and her 56 flags pulled in football. photo by TULLAH McCOLL
Though her success may seem somewhat effortless, Staehle explains that, like any other player, taking a deep breath and reminding herself of the fundamental skills calms her down amidst the stress of games.
“Ava’s work ethic is something that can’t be coached,” Johnston says. “It already lives inside of her, and nobody has to force her to work hard.”
In addition to her passion on the field, Staehle is always suggesting fun games, bonding activities and an overall sense of team comradery, continuously making the most out of her time at CHS.
“Ava leads by example and always tries her hardest while having fun in what we’re doing,” says senior field hockey co-captain and soccer teammate Leah Sibley. “I’m inspired by her love of the sport and hard work on the field.”
As her final fall season comes to an end, Staehle shares her gratitude for the community that sports have provided her for the last four years.
“There is nothing better than high school sports. It’s so much fun being with a team that changes each year and you get to grow with,” says Staehle. “I cannot imagine my life without sports.”
Though Staehle does not have a set plan to continue her competitive athletic career in college, she knows sports will always be a part of her life and, if given the chance, would love to work with athletes beyond the Carmel area who are just as driven and motivated as herself.
