Women's Soccer 10/13/2026 4:38:00 PM Kennedy Cuddihy - Athletics Communications Assistant

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Ava Buhlman

MARQUETTE, Mich. -- Although she played many sports throughout her life, Ava Buhlman thrived in soccer, and the opportunity to continue that passion in college was a dream come true.

A Rangers FC standout and four-year starter for Allendale High School, Buhlman was an All-Conference and All-District selection, a Michigan State Cup champion, MIHSSCA All-Academic honoree, and team captain for both her club and high school teams.

A team captain on her basketball team, an All-Conference and State Finalist in the 800-meter for track & field, and an All-Conference and State Finalist in cross country, Buhlman was a very busy athlete growing up. She somehow managed to find time for soccer during all of it.

"I was very busy in high school–I would go from practice to running events, back to practice. So definitely busy, but that made me realize that I didn't want to go without doing a sport."

Playing soccer in college is more than just a game for Buhlman; it's a lifestyle, and a part of who she is.

Buhlman has been a student-athlete with the Northern Michigan University women's soccer team for four seasons now, and has cemented herself as a key piece in the Wildcat back line. After only 13 games played and 230 minutes as a freshman and sophomore, Buhlman earned a place in the starting lineup in 2025 and has 33 matches and over 2,500+ minutes logged in her junior and senior seasons.

Buhlman has started in every match for the Green and Gold in 2026, and has played the full 90 minutes in all but five games, all of which instances have come during the dying moments when games have been put out of reach. At the time of writing, Ava is second on the team in minutes played among field players, and is on pace to break her career-best in season minutes played.

Being recruited to Northern was different for her. While everybody in her family played sports, she became the first in her family to do so in college. One of her biggest moments of the entire recruitment process was getting to come up and meet her future teammates.

"I felt like Northern was a great fit for me. The culture felt great, the coach was great, and the area was super nice.

"On my visit, I actually got to hang out with a few of the girls on the team. I spent time with them, and I got to ask them questions rather than just hang out with the coach and my parents."

Her experience on the team has come so far from her first visit; she has made countless memories and relationships. But for Buhlman, these memories are not defined by game success, but by "enjoying the time with my teammates", and the little things in between.

"Some of my favorite memories are spending time with my team, on and off the field. Obviously, winning games is a part of it, but some of the most meaningful moments come from the little things: team bonding, bus rides, and just spending time with each other."

Throughout her entire career, Ava has had a world-class support system. Growing up, her family pushed her to be the best person she could be, on and off the field, and her parents have always been there to support her.

"At every game, even now in college, there's always my mom or dad there. They never miss a game. No matter how far it is."

Outside of soccer, Buhlman often finds herself enjoying many different activities. From hiking up Sugarloaf and Hogback, joining her teammates in jumping off Black Rocks after practice, and supporting the local businesses here in Marquette.

Being an NCAA Division II student-athlete at Northern Michigan University has done more than keep her active; it has taught her valuable life lessons that she will carry with her wherever she goes and apply to her everyday life.

"Being involved has definitely taught me a lot about discipline, commitment, and working through challenges. There are going to be good days, bad days, but soccer has taught me just to keep going and not to let one bad moment define me."

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#21 Ava Buhlman: D; 5' 5"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#21 Ava Buhlman
: 5' 5"; Senior
: D

Players Mentioned

#21 Ava Buhlman

Players Mentioned

#21 Ava Buhlman