Azusa Pacific University Athletics

2025: Appeared in 26 games as starting in 18 games...Among qualified starters she held a 4.03 ERA in 118.1 innings of work...Picked up two saves in relief...Racked up a team-high 63 strikeouts...Pitched seven complete games including a five-inning shutout against Menlo.

Prior to APU

Hernandez joined the Cougars as a decorated right-handed pitcher with a championship pedigree from Big Valley Christian School. A four-year varsity starter and four-year team captain, she led the Lions through one of the most successful eras in program history.

During her tenure at Big Valley Christian, Hernandez’s accolades were extensive:

• Championship Success: Guided her team to the 2022 Varsity Sac-Joaquin Section Championship and was the winning pitcher for the 2022 CIF Northern Region State Championship. She capped her career with a second CIF Northern Region State Title in 2024.

• League Honors: A three-time 1st Team All-League selection (2021, 2022, 2024) and recipient of the 2022 Team MVP Award.

• National Recognition: Named Player of the Day at the Softball Youth Elite in Arizona and helped her club team to a 5th-place finish at the 2022 PGF 16U Premier Nationals.

• Club Experience: Competed for the Grapettes under Coach Mike McNair, serving as team captain for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Personal

Born on August 15, 2006, to John and Jill Hernandez. Ava is a Business Management major who values leadership both on and off the field. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, journaling, and spending quality time outdoors with her family.