STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — To say flag football has been a big part of Ava Rotondi’s life would be a major understatement.

In fact, the ever-growing sport is her life as the St. Joseph by-the-Sea senior emphatically stated.

“Ever since I was eight years old and started playing flag in the 911 and Next Level leagues it has been a huge part of my life – basically has been my life,” said Rotondi. “I have so much passion for it; it is something that is always on my mind.”

While Staten Island has been a hot bed for the girls’ game in recent years, the borough has also made a name for itself nationally.

And Rotondi has been a huge part of that as a member of several THT flag championship teams all over the country.

But the talented two-way player took things a step further as she was recently named NFL Flag Football Player of the Year. It’s a tremendous honor for Rotondi, who joins 2023 Player of the Year and Staten Island Tech grad Allison Gandlin as Islanders who have garnered the coveted hardware.

“I really can’t put into words the meaning of winning this award; it’s so special and to be recognized for my play like this is probably the biggest type of award I will ever get,” quipped the New Dorp resident. “Ever since I’ve seen it being given out when I was in high school I knew I would love to just be in position to be considered for it. Winning it is crazy to me that I am recognized with all the girls that play flag. It’s a huge honor and I am very grateful.”

Tom DeAngelis, one of the architects of the success of girls flag on Staten Island, has had the pleasure of coaching Rotondi for three straight CHSAA championship seasons so far in Huguenot.

“Ava has been a special player from the first time she stepped on a flag football field,” praised DeAngelis. “She is one of the most athletic players I have ever seen. Her greatest attribute is no one will ever outwork her and that is what makes her a special player and well-deserving of this award.”

“The relationships I have made at Sea and the bond that we have as teammates is amazing, almost inexplicable,” said Rotondi. “We have done a lot of winning, and I want to make sure we go out as champions my senior year.”