Every Monday through Thursday for the month of July, Chowan Athletics will spotlight select student-athletes and coaches in a series called Featured Hawks. This series highlights Hawks who exemplify excellence in the classroom, in competition, and within the Chowan community. Student-athletes were selected based on their academic achievement, athletic performance, leadership, character, and overall standing with the university. Coaches have the opportunity to share their coaching journey, discuss their programs, and provide insight about their vision for the future.
Fans will learn more about the individual experiences and stories of our student-athletes and coaches at Chowan. Beginning in August, Fridays will transition to Feature Fridays, continuing the spotlight series by highlighting one individual throughout the school year each week.
OUR FIRST FEATURED HAWK IS AVA MIZELL
Ava Mizell is a senior Business Administration major and a member of the Chowan University softball team. During the 2026 season, she set the Chowan single-season stolen base record with 51 stolen bases, leading Conference Carolinas and ranking third in NCAA Division II. Mizell also earned a spot on the Conference Carolinas All-Tournament Team following the 2026 Conference Carolinas Softball Championship and was recognized as a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree for her excellence in the classroom. As she enters her senior season, Mizell continues to exemplify what it means to be a Hawk through her achievements on the field, in the classroom, and within the Chowan community.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CHOWAN UNIVERSITY?
"I chose Chowan University because from the minute I stepped on campus it felt like home. Chowan is a small campus supported by a small community, and every professor, coach, and student I've met has shown that this community really cares for you. They are going to take the time to show you that you are valued as a person and not just another student-athlete. That was exactly what I was looking for—a place where I could grow, be challenged, but also feel supported, and Chowan gave me that exact feeling."
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A CHOWAN STUDENT-ATHLETE MEANT TO YOU?
"My experience as a student athlete so far has meant everything to me. It's taught me resilience. It's taught me discipline. It's shown me that I'm capable to push further than what I thought I was. And it's given me friendships and connections for a lifetime that I will cherish forever. I would say some of my favorite memories of being a student athlete have been traveling. At the end of the day, everybody does love a home game. I mean, who doesn't? You get the advantage. It's easier and you're at home. But traveling has been so memorable for me because I constantly laugh at things that have happened, whether it was good memories or bad memories. It's just a very fun experience to travel with a team on a bus and having to room with your teammates."
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A HAWK?
"For anybody that is thinking of becoming a Hawk, I will say this. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, compete, but also be supported by a family, Chowan University is the correct choice. You will constantly be valued and supported to the end."
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