2025 | Pennsylvania | GIRLS

Downingtown West Girls Varsity | Whippets | GIRLS

Ava Thomas exemplifies the spirit of the Hobey Baker High School Good Citizenship Award through her unwavering commitment to her teammates. A senior captain of the Downingtown West Girls Varsity, Ava is a cornerstone of support and camaraderie, consistently putting the needs of her teammates ahead of her own. Ava is always looking for the assist over the goal. Her selflessness and genuine kindness have cultivated an environment of trust and mutual respect that is a hallmark of great teams.

Ava’s encouragement is both heartfelt and contagious. Whether it’s offering a pat on the back after a hard-fought shift, or cheering the loudest from the bench, she ensures that every member of the team feels valued and motivated. Her words of affirmation and constructive feedback inspire her teammates to push themselves to their full potential, all while fostering an atmosphere where mistakes are met with understanding and lessons learned.

While Ava’s kindness and support shine brightly, her competitive edge is equally remarkable. A fierce competitor, she plays every shift with relentless energy and determination, setting the standard for work ethic and resilience. Her toughness on the ice is matched by her ability to rally her teammates in the face of adversity, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and unity. Ava’s leadership has been pivotal in creating a team dynamic where every player feels not only capable but empowered to contribute.

Above everything else, Ava is truly an innovator when it comes to building community in the hockey world. She takes time to help teach new players and coach the younger hockey generation. Thomas devotes her free time to hockey volunteering events, such as public skates and signing pucks for fans she earned during her time playing in the U18 USA Women’s Worlds Tournament; where she brought home a gold medal.

In Ava Thomas, we see the embodiment of the values celebrated by the Hobey Baker Award: integrity, sportsmanship, dedication to the team, and building community. Her impact on her teammates and her community is immeasurable, leaving a legacy that will inspire future players for years to come.