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ava perrone

@avaperrone

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@msu_wlax @vimmsu

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I <3 London!

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Summer life

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Cleaning out junior years camera roll 🫶

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lately

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weekend dump 😋

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Sometimes the right path isn’t the one you expected.

For Ava Perrone, earning the opportunity to play NCAA Division I lacrosse at UMBC was the realization of a lifelong dream. But after two seasons, she found herself asking a difficult question: Was she truly happy?

“Playing a Division I sport was something I worked for my whole life, but once I got there, I realized the lifestyle wasn’t giving me what I needed. I fell out of love with lacrosse.”

That realization led Ava to Michigan State University, where she was searching for more than just another team. She wanted a place with strong academics, meaningful friendships, and the opportunity to enjoy being a college student again.

She found all of that. And rediscovered her love for the game.

“MSU checked every box for me. WCLA ended up being the perfect balance. It’s still super competitive, and you have to be committed, but it gave me space to breathe while still letting me play the sport I grew up loving.”

Like many athletes leaving NCAA programs, Ava initially worried about what others would think.

“When I first left Division I for club, I was honestly embarrassed because I felt like I had ‘failed.’ But once I got to MSU, that feeling disappeared.”

Instead, she found a team that challenged her, supported her, and reminded her why she started playing lacrosse in the first place.

“The passion and commitment on my team honestly surprised me in the best way. Everyone shows up, everyone wants to get better, and the competitiveness is still there - just without the burnout.”

Today, Ava hopes recruits remember that choosing a college is about much more than a division.

“I’d tell my high school self not to pick a school just because of the name or the division. Choose the place where you’ll be happiest as a whole person, not just as an athlete.”

Her message about the WCLA is just as clear.

“I wish people understood how legit WCLA lacrosse is. It’s not ‘just a club.’ The competition is real, the commitment is real, and the athletes are insanely talented.”

Ava’s story is a reminder that success isn’t defined by a label, but about finding an environment you can thrive in.

#wcla #usalacrosse #michiganstate

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my final love letter to london 💌🎡💂🏻

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hey from amsterdam 💐

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I’ll be back !

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I love London!! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

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40 shades of green🐑

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