Ava DeMilo has the headspace that nothing can stop her and she will never relent, whether for herself or her teammates, and it is that determination that helped her and the Branford dance team again dominate on the big stage.

The Branford senior co-captain was a gymnast at first before taking a liking to both dance and softball–choosing to commit to the former once she made the dance squad at Walsh Intermediate School.

Ava and Branford finished on top in both the Small Varsity Jazz and Hip Hop Divisions to mark the program’s 25th state crown overall on Feb. 25 at the CIAC State Championships at Hamden High School, with its 15th in the hip hop category and 10th for Small Varsity Jazz. It was also the eighth consecutive season that the Hornets harvested dual state championships. Ava individually earned both All-State Team and All-State Academic Team accolades.

“Personally, I have the mindset that I hate giving up and that I always strive for more. I brought that mentality to the team and knew I had to have that leadership role as a captain,” says Ava. “A positive mindset and our energy led to the team being successful. Winning states was a breath of fresh air; it showed that all of our blood, sweat, and tears paid off. We wanted that trophy, and it was well-deserved and a nice feeling of relief after last season and also competing through COVID.”

Even more daunting to Branford’s task to dominate the dance scene again was the fact that the Hornets sported only an eight-person club this past winter. Ava explains that the team just went back to basics and competed for the love of it all.

“At the beginning of the year, I did not know what to expect with only eight girls on the team, and it was scary at first,” Ava says. “But we did not let the numbers affect us and knew that quality was more important than quantity. We just went out, danced, and just enjoyed ourselves.”

Ava mentions that her colleagues put their bodies on the line in ways that are unique when compared to other sports, opening the door to all sorts of physical setbacks. Yet through the suspense that strikes before each performance, she knows it is all worthwhile when alongside a group that enjoys each other’s company.

“It can be hard having to deal with injuries and the worry of having them. We put our bodies through stress, and the things we do out there are not normal,” says Ava. “You also only have one shot to do a two-minute routine and anything can happen. There is also stress and anticipation when waiting backstage before a routine, and there is a lot of memorization involved. The best parts of it all are the laughs and just not worrying about placement. This year was so much fun; the bond we had as a team was great.”

Branford dance team Head Coach Megan Palluzzi notes that while Ava may demand a lot from her teammates, she always does it with a demeanor that conveys dignity and respect for her fellow Hornets.

“Ava always has the best interest of her team at heart and leads with passion,” says Palluzzi. “She is a small but very mighty athlete and voice on the team who pushes to motivate her team. Her teammates are appreciative of her kind manner, hard work, and how she always makes them feel like family.”

As she looks to persist on this athletic journey entering college, Ava is well aware of the profound impact this program at Branford has had on her personal growth as a student-athlete through all the ups and downs, pandemic and all.

“I grew so much with this team; the last four years were a rollercoaster. I was so elated when I made this team,” says Ava. “I grew emotionally and socially here. It was so challenging with the virtual meets through the COVID season with no spectators, but senior year brought life back to my love for dance. Our determination and positivity set us up for success. I fell in love with dance because of the bond I created with a team; it was like a second family to me. We all had the same passion and love for dance. I also hope to continue dancing in college.”