Fajardo Commits to Drexel University, Continues Her Rise
Ava Fajardo has taken a significant step in her basketball journey, officially committing to Drexel University. For most young players, this is simply a chapter. But for Ava, it’s another milestone in a growing career.
At just 17, Ava has become one of the most promising young guards with Filipino roots, representing not just talent but pride and promise for the future of women’s basketball in the Philippines.
Born and raised in the U.S., Ava played high school ball for Blair Academy in New Jersey and competes on the elite EYBL circuit with Philly Rise. But what separates her from the pack isn’t just skill – it’s how she blends speed, court vision, and leadership into a fearless style of play that gets noticed wherever she steps on the floor.
Her numbers back it up. In the 2024–25 season at Blair, she totaled 318 points, 105 assists, and 53 steals across 24 games. But beyond stats, she’s a guard who controls the tempo, sees passing lanes others don’t, and attacks the rim with the kind of grit that screams “Gilas.”
And yes – Ava is very much part of the Gilas Pilipinas story. She’s worn the flag across her chest multiple times, playing for the Philippine national youth teams. In the 2023 FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship Division B in Jordan, Ava led the squad in points and assists, averaged 16.2 points and 5.4 assists per game. She didn’t just play well – she led the team to promotion. The next year, she captained the U18 team, proving she wasn’t just a scoring threat but a steady leader who lifted the entire roster.
In 2024, she was one of just a few Filipinos selected to participate in the Basketball Without Borders Asia camp in Australia – a training ground for future stars run by NBA and WNBA veterans. It was there that she trained under elite mentors like Aron Baynes and Cynthia Cooper, sharpening her game while embracing her role as a young leader for her country.
She’s the younger sister of Ella Fajardo, the Iona Gaels graduate who’s also worn the Gilas uniform and competed internationally. Ella has spoken in the past about paving a path, but now Ava’s the one breaking new ground, co-captaining the torch with her sister and carrying it forward in her own way.
READ: adidas Partners With SBP As Gilas Pilipinas’ Official Outfitter
Over the past few seasons, the Drexel University women’s basketball team has established itself as a formidable force in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). Under the leadership of head coach Amy Mallon, now in her fifth year, the Dragons have consistently demonstrated resilience and competitiveness.
In the 2023–24 season, Drexel finished with a 19–15 overall record and a 10–8 mark in conference play. The following season, 2024–25, saw the Dragons continue their strong performance, finishing with a 17–13 overall record and a 12–6 record in CAA play, tying for third place in the conference standings.
Drexel’s sustained success and competitive spirit make it an exciting destination for emerging talents like Ava Fajardo, who will join a program with a proven track record of success and a commitment to developing top-tier athletes.
