Ava Uribe’s incredible bounce back season

 “We dealt with a lot of injuries last year and so I think you know physically and emotionally it was tough for the whole team not just the injured players cause we need everybody and we really use everybody in our system.”

Just before the 2023 season Syracuse women’s soccer forward Ava Uribe tore her ACL and as a result missed the entirety of the year. That along with other injuries from the team brought forth a dark time for the Orange. But, despite the setbacks Uribe stayed positive.

“Anyone who’s torn their ACL or had any kind of season ending injury deals with a lot of similar setbacks and challenges and you know no road is easy or straight, there were so many times that I think I was super discouraged or facing some great challenges, so I just kept my mind focused on this season, the most motivating factor was watching my teammates last fall and last spring compete. It just kept reminding me of how good it’s gonna feel to be back on the field.”

And man did it feel good when the redshirt sophomore returned.  Uribe buried her first opportunity of the season 20 minutes into game 1 and also scored the winner against Northwestern.

“I was already in a spot where I knew I could be dangerous and I got in behind the back line took a touch and took a shot that I think I’ve practiced a million times and so it was just kind of muscle memory, there wasn’t really any doubt or fear that it wasn’t going in the back of the net.”

Uribe has only continued to excel.  The Seatlle native leads the team with 4 assists and is tied for second in goals scored with 2.  She credits her success to her teammates.

“I think that everything I’ve done has been built on and kind of worked with the people around me.  Everyone on this team works so hard and I’m not just talking about on the field, that’s obvious on the field, but I think what people don’t see is in practice, I mean were a big roster this year and we compete every single practice, everyone is pushing each other and its kind of that iron sharpens iron.”

Uribe and company aim to continue their hot start when Syracuse kicks off ACC play against SMU in Dallas tonight at 7.