The report says Gertz scored 20 goals during her junior campaign, leading Prairie Ridge through a 9-6 season and a tie for second place in the Fox Valley Conference. Her form brought All-FVC recognition, a first-team All-Area selection and All-Sectional honours.
The numbers mattered, but so did the timing. Gertz had already shown steady progress across three varsity seasons, after entering a struggling Prairie Ridge side as a freshman. Her development mirrored the team’s improvement, with the programme climbing the conference standings and becoming a regional contender.
Gertz’s value appears to extend beyond finishing. Although she began as a forward, she also played in midfield and even at centre-back during her junior season. That positional flexibility could be important as she adjusts to the speed, physical demands and tactical detail of college football.
Lindsay Gertz described her daughter as a classic No. 9 who can drop into midfield, receive the ball, combine with teammates and attack space behind the defence. That blend of movement and versatility gives Indiana State a player who may contribute in several phases rather than simply waiting in the penalty area.
Ava said the Indiana State coaching staff made an immediate impression: “A comissão me recebeu bem imediatamente, e a energia deles, a forma como foram comigo, pareceu um alívio”.
The report says the atmosphere around the programme, including the humour and relationships within the squad, helped shape her decision. After playing for Chicago Inferno and Rockford Raptors, Gertz now appears ready for her biggest competitive step.
Before that transition, Prairie Ridge reportedly has another target: a regional title after reaching the IHSA Class 2A regional final and losing to Crystal Lake Central. The next chapter will test whether Gertz can turn a breakout school career into an impact at Indiana State.