IMMACULATA, Pa. – Immaculata women's swimming student-athlete Ava McEntire has been named the recipient of the 2025-26 Atlantic East Conference Medal of Inspiration, the conference announced.
The Atlantic East Conference Medal of Inspiration recognizes individuals who have persevered through extraordinary circumstances while demonstrating determination, devotion, and passion that inspire those around them. The award honors those who have overcome significant life-altering events through perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
McEntire is one of just two Atlantic East Conference student-athletes selected to receive the Medal of Inspiration during the 2025-26 academic year.
McEntire's journey is one of extraordinary resilience.
At just eight months old, she was diagnosed with right-sided hemiplegia caused by a stroke in utero. The condition, a form of cerebral palsy, causes paralysis on the right side of her body and has required a lifetime of physical and occupational therapy. Since the age of 10, she has undergone numerous surgeries to address growth, injuries, spasticity, and dystonia.
Rather than allowing those challenges to define her, McEntire has transformed them into motivation. Through swimming, she found confidence, purpose, and a platform to inspire others. Her perseverance has helped shape her into not only a standout student-athlete but also a respected leader and passionate advocate for inclusion within the sport.
A co-captain of the Immaculata women's swimming team, McEntire also serves as the swimming representative on the Immaculata Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). She played a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for adaptive athletes by helping establish the Mighty Mac Para Swim Meet, working alongside the coaching staff and a local para swimming club to create an inclusive competitive experience for para swimmers.
Her impact extends well beyond competition. Since the fall of 2024, McEntire has served as a para swim coach for PCAS, mentoring young athletes while continuing to advocate for greater inclusion and opportunities for para-athletes throughout the collegiate and local swimming communities.
McEntire has also excelled in the classroom and within the Immaculata community. During the 2025-26 academic year, she received the Unsung Hero Award at the MACSPY Awards and earned Dean's List honors during both the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters.
"Coaching Ava has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Knowing everything she has overcome makes what she has accomplished even more remarkable," said Immaculata Head Men's and Women's Swimming Coach Josh Pace. "She never seeks sympathy or attention—she simply shows up every day, works incredibly hard, and brings an infectious positivity to our team. Ava has taught all of us that adversity doesn't have to limit your potential. She is a role model, an exceptional teammate, and an inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to know her. This award couldn't be going to a more deserving person."
McEntire's selection for the Atlantic East Conference Medal of Inspiration recognizes not only her athletic accomplishments, but also the profound impact she has made through her resilience, leadership, and commitment to serving others. Her story stands as a powerful reminder that perseverance can overcome even the greatest challenges, leaving a lasting legacy on her teammates, the Immaculata community, and the future of adaptive athletics.
