Ava Gilliana

Photo by: Tyler Schank, NCAA Photos

Photo by: Robert Dunlap

Photo by: Ethan Mito, NCAA Photos

Photo by: Josh Armstrong

Class:
Senior
Events:
Distance
Hometown:
Valparaiso, Ind.
Height:
5-8
High School:
Valparaiso
Squadron:
09 Vikings

AIR FORCE HIGHLIGHTS

NCAA Qualifier, 800-Meter Run (2023)

JUNIOR YEAR | 2022-23: NCAA Qualifier in the 800-meter run…clocked the fourth-fastest outdoor time in Air Force history (2:06.94) to finish fifth at the Mountain West Championships…first debuted in the program’s Top 10 during a 2:10.65 performance at the Bryan Clay Invitational…used that time to finish fifth in the 144-runner field…competed in the 400-meter dash once during the outdoor season, clocking a time of 57.99 to win the Tom Benich Invitational and debut at No. 20 on the program’s all-time standings…ran the 800-meter leg of the distance medley relay that combined for the eighth-fastest outdoor time in program history (11:44.35) during a fifth-place finish at the Drake Relays…also competed on the 4x400-meter relay that posted the Academy’s seventh-fastest time (3:47.99) at the MW Outdoor Championships…competed in the mile once during the indoor season…earned the team’s Most Improved Award.

SOPHOMORE YEAR | 2021-22: Competed in the 1500-meter run during four outdoor meets, including the conference championships…clocked a career-best time of 4:30.08 to finish 11th out of 136 runners at the Bryan Clay Invitational…opened the season with a fourth-place finish at the Jerry Quiller Classic (4:36.09, adjusted for altitude)…made indoor debut in the preliminary heat of the mile at the Mountain West Championships, clocking a career-best 5:06.75a.

FRESHMAN YEAR | 2020-21: Competed in the 1500-meter run at the Spank Blasing Invitational (4:55.51, adjusted for altitude)…made collegiate debut in the mile at the Air Force Holiday Open.

HIGH SCHOOL: Valparaiso High School...two-time all-state honoree in cross country...two-time regional champion...two-time sectional champion...two-time conference champion...three-time MVP of the cross country team...named the conference’s MVP for track and field in back-to-back years...earned all-state track honors all four years...claimed a pair of top-three finishes in the mile (third as a freshman, second as a sophomore)...selected as the team’s MVP all four years...holds the school, conference and sectional record in the 800-meter run...also holds the school record in the mile.

PERSONAL: Full name is Ava Elle Gilliana...daughter of Jason and Lori Gilliana...has four siblings (one older, three younger)...majoring in business management…future plans include becoming a chief information security officer or weapons systems officer…named to the Athletic Director’s List...hobbies include baking, hiking, and writing...values faith, family and friends...member of Cadet Squadron 09.