Congratulations, on her commitment to NCAA
Division 1 University of Louisville Cardinals. Avery is a highly
committed student-athlete that has left a very unique legacy with the
Panther organization. Avery is a dual sport athlete excelling
in both hockey and lacrosse at an elite level. Not only has she
competed at a Team Ontario level in hockey, she has had even more
success in lacrosse as the Captain of Team Ontario in women’s lacrosse.
Avery has really developed into a tremendous leader in her time here
with the Panthers combining her passion for hockey with lacrosse. She is
a great example to our younger Panthers what a difference you can make
with hard work and a positive outlook. We are so happy and proud of her.
Louisville has just added a real game changer!
For Immediate Release
(February 24, 2025 Aurora, Ontario) – The Central York Girls Hockey Association are thrilled to announce that their 2024-25 Jr Panther Avery Johnston has committed to play NCAA Division 1 Women’s Lacrosse for the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky for the 2025-26 season.
Avery has been a true cornerstone piece for the Panthers organization and has been a major reason for the recent success of the Panthers High Performance program. There are players that breathe life and give momentum to an idea of what a team and a program should feel like. The program needed energy and a day to day environment that would bring out the best in people. Avery has been a driving force in making these aspects come to life in the Panthers High Performance(PHP). She has helped create a family like culture that holds each other accountable to their thoughts and actions. The PHP program was looking to attract players that would help foster a true “team first” culture. Her leadership and contagious enthusiasm for the “team” have made her a program changer. Avery has been fully committed with the Panthers organization from day one and the staff and athletes have benefitted from the energy she brings every day.
Avery has been an essential part of the Central York Panthers family for the past 3 years and has immersed herself into the Panther culture. Avery headlines a strong offensive unit this past season that boasted several Team Ontario High Performance players and was geared to play a fast, upbeat style of hockey that prepared these players for elite hockey opportunities.
It is obvious to anyone that knows Avery that she loves both hockey and lacrosse. She wants to be the best she can be. Her passion and contagious positive attitude have been the qualities that have separated Avery from others. Avery brings out the energy in others around her on a daily basis. Whether it is on the ice or off the ice you can always find Avery spending time with her teammates and developing strong personal bonds that will last a lifetime. It is this type of behaviour that has helped to build a strong Panther culture.
“The past three years at Central York have been the best years. I will never forget the time that I have spent here. My time at Central York has left an indelible footprint on my heart. Not only did I grow as an athlete, but more importantly as a person. I’m so thankful for the lifelong friendships I’ve made as well as the great coaching I’ve had to help me get to where I am now. If I could go back three years when I made my decision to play for Steve and the Central York Jr Panthers, I wouldn’t change a thing. It was by far the best decision!” exclaimed an enthusiastic Johnston.
The highly ranked Louisville Cardinals are ecstatic about this signing. Head Coach of the University of Louisville Cardinals, Scott Teeter, has been watching Avery’s progress over the past two years and is thrilled that she is joining their program.
Central York’s Junior Head Coach Steve Dempsey is especially excited about this signing. “Avery is an amazing person. Most people only see the player on the ice that gives it her all everyday, but it is the behind the scenes stuff that really shows you the tremendous heart that she has. Avery is always looking for ways to have a positive impact on her teammates and create a space in our dressing room that is highly inclusive and an extremely fun place to work and grow as a person. I often talk with the team about creating an environment for people to do their best work. Avery has been the best signing for that. Avery has helped this program so much from a culture standpoint that we can never repay her. There are some players that you never replace. Avery is definitely one of those players. We are losing a very dear friend. Her actions and the continuous development of her leadership skills has led her to be sought out by her teammates for guidance, counsel, or emotional support throughout the seasons. Her actions have helped to enforce the Panther first culture that we want here at Central York. We want good people that happen to play hockey and Avery fits that criteria perfectly. You can’t help but cheer for Avery because she epitomizes all that is good in sport. The University of Louisville Cardinals are very lucky to have added Avery and we are looking forward to seeing her excel in the NCAA”.
Avery is scheduled to start the 2025-26 season at the University of Louisville in September 2025.
