Canyon Ridge Senior Ava Stokes Signs Letter of Intent to Play Soccer at College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls Athlete Chooses to Stay Home for College Soccer Career
TWIN FALLS, Idaho — Canyon Ridge High School senior Ava Stokes made it official Thursday morning, signing her letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. The signing means the local standout will stay in Magic Valley rather than pursue opportunities elsewhere, joining CSI’s Golden Eagles program beginning this fall.
Stokes helped lead the Canyon Ridge Riverhawks to a 9-6-2 record this past fall season, appearing in all 17 matches. She was a consistent contributor on both ends of the field, tallying four goals while also establishing herself as one of the team’s top defensive players, recording 37 takeaways on the season. Her versatility and work rate across a full schedule of play made her a valued piece of the Riverhawks’ lineup throughout the year.
Familiar Coaching Staff Played Key Role in Decision
For Stokes, the decision to sign with CSI was not made in a vacuum. She has played under CSI head coach Alex Ferreira for two years through club soccer, giving her a familiarity with his coaching philosophy that factored heavily into her college choice.
“I really love their coaching style and so I ultimately decided to come here,” Stokes said following the signing. “I’m just most looking forward to getting to know the girls and coaches and just being able to continue my academic and soccer career. I’m super excited.”
That existing relationship with Coach Ferreira and his staff gave Stokes a level of confidence in her decision that many college signees do not have. Knowing what to expect from a program’s culture and coaching style before arriving on campus is an advantage that speaks well for her transition from high school to collegiate athletics.
Stokes will join a Golden Eagles squad that finished 6-5-4 in their second year as a program. CSI will look to build on that foundation as the team continues to grow and develop its roster. Adding a locally proven player with Stokes’ defensive instincts and scoring ability should give the program a boost heading into the fall 2026 season.
A Homegrown Story for Twin Falls County Athletics
Stories like Stokes’ signing reflect the kind of community investment that makes local athletics meaningful beyond wins and losses. Twin Falls County families can take pride in watching a homegrown athlete choose to continue her journey close to home, contributing to an institution that serves the broader Magic Valley region.
The College of Southern Idaho has long been a cornerstone of Twin Falls County — offering residents access to higher education, workforce training, and competitive athletics without requiring students to leave the area they grew up in. When a talented student-athlete like Stokes opts to stay and compete for the Golden Eagles, it reinforces the value CSI brings to the community.
CSI continues to be a hub for local growth in the region. Twin Falls County has seen increasing community investment in recent months, from athletic programs to broader quality-of-life developments. Residents looking to stay connected to the area’s growth can explore what’s happening across the community, including updates like the Terra Cotta Park project nearing its opening in Twin Falls, which promises to bring new food, art, and gathering space to the city.
For families across the Magic Valley keeping an eye on local student-athletes, Stokes’ signing is the kind of positive news that reflects well on Twin Falls County’s schools, coaches, and student community. Her commitment to both her education and her sport — close to home — sets a strong example for younger athletes coming up through the area’s programs.
For additional statewide education and athletics coverage, visit Idaho News.
What Comes Next
Ava Stokes will graduate from Canyon Ridge High School before joining the CSI Golden Eagles roster this fall. The Golden Eagles will open their 2026 season with Stokes as part of the lineup, looking to improve on their 6-5-4 mark from the previous year. Fans and community members can follow CSI soccer through the College of Southern Idaho’s athletics department for scheduling and roster updates as the fall season approaches.