RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond Ivy Soccer Club is pleased to announce that Virginia Commonwealth University defender Ava Pustover, will join the team for its inaugural season pending league and federation approval.
“It is so exciting to welcome Ava to Richmond Ivy SC in its inaugural season,” Sporting Director Madeline McCracken said. “She is a versatile defender that will provide some depth on our backline. She has a great mentality, focus and her skill set works well with what we are trying to build here in Richmond. She will be a great addition to our roster and we are so excited to welcome her onto our team!”
Originally from Oakdale, Penn., Pustover has seen action in 24 games for the Rams in her two seasons. As a freshman she helped the Rams to produce four shutouts across her thirteen games played.
“Ava’s a hard working kid. She wants to know what it is she can do at all times to get better. She is constantly seeking feedback and looking for insight to coaches’ opinions and critique and I think that that’s made her a better player,” VCU Head Coach Lindsey Martin said. “I’m really pumped for her to be with the Richmond Ivy this summer. Ava stepping into this W League role will put her in a better position to make a bigger impact with us in the fall which is, I think, what she is looking towards as well.”
Before arriving at VCU, Pustover played for the Beadling Girls Academy 03/04 team and for the Beadling side in the Women’s Premier Soccer League. In 2018 and 2019 Pustover helped to win the State Cup Championship for Beadling.
“We are excited to welcome Ava to our Richmond Ivy roster,” Head Coach Kimmy Cummings said. “She brings valuable depth to our back line and showed her ability to successfully play within our style of play at the Combine earlier this year. Her speed allows her to be dangerous on both sides of the ball which pairs well with her overall understanding of the game. I’m excited to see all the ways she will bring excitement to City Stadium this season!”
Pustover also played for West Allegheny Senior High School where she won the 2019 WPIAL AAA Section Four Championship. The win would mark the first section title for the program in school history. Two years later, Pustover earned 2021 All-Section honors and team MVP during her senior year at West Allegheny while serving as team captain.
“I am thrilled to be able to play for this team,” Pustover said. “The Richmond Ivy organization already has such a positive reputation for emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship, values that I hold in high regard.”
