Triton College’s Ava Connerty named USTFCCCA Scholar Athlete of the Year
RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Mere months after making school history at Triton College, recent graduate Ava Connerty was selected the 2025 NJCAA Division III Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Scholar Track Athelte of the Year by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
The USTFCCCA recognized top scholar athletes from all collegiate levels including Connerty for standing out in all areas of the student-athlete experience.
Connerty, a two-time NJCAA All-American who wrapped up her monumental athletic career as a Trojan in May, has been a trailblazer for Triton’s Track & Field. Her recent accolade marks the first time in program history that an athlete from Triton has been named National Track Scholar Athlete of the Year in outdoor track & field.
"It's an honor to be recognized (by the USTFCCCA) for both my work on the track and in the classroom," said Connerty, of North Riverside. "This award is a reminder that my dedication in all areas paid off."
Connerty won the 100-meter hurdles and was a member of the third-place 4x400 relay team at the 2025 NJCAA DIII Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Utica, NY, on May 10.
Her championship run made her the first women’s track athlete representing Triton to win an individual national title. In a thrilling finish, Connerty captured the national title by two-tenths of a second.
"I honestly never thought that I would be a national champion," Connerty said in May about her win. "It's so amazing seeing all of my training pay off in the best way possible. Knowing that I'm the first female track national champion in Triton history is unbelievable."
Connerty’s drive on the track was matched by her zeal in the classroom, enabling her to achieve a cumulative 3.9 grade point average during the 2024-25 academic year. Two weeks after winning her national title, Connerty walked the stage of the Rosemont Theater as a Triton graduate, leaving with an Associate’s Degree in Psychology.
In June, Connerty committed to attend Nova Southeastern University, an NCAA Division
II institution in Davie, Fla. on an athletic scholarship where she'll continue to
run track and pursue her four-year degree.
"Having Ava run for Triton College has been a great experience," said Trojans head
Track & Field coach Jason Guevarra "Not only is she a tremendous athlete but she values
education and success. I am so proud of Ava and what she has accomplished on and off
the track. She will be a great addition to her new team when she transfers to Nova
Southeastern in Florida."
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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820
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Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success.
Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students
to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The
college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite
locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and
staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities
to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community
Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more
at triton.edu.