Cor Jesu Student Competes in World Bocce Championships
Ava Della Croce is the youngest person to ever represent the United States at the international event in Brazil.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Volleyball
Cor Jesu Academy senior Ava Della Croce recently participated in the World Bocce Championships in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Her selection for the U.S. team followed her gold medal victory at the national championships held earlier this year.
Why it matters
Della Croce secured her spot on the world stage after winning the Women's Precision Shooting gold medal at the U.S. Bocce National Championship. This appearance marks a significant milestone for the young athlete as she competes at the highest level of the sport.
The World Bocce Championships spanned a five-day duration from October 13 to October 17, 2026. Athletes at the competition followed the standardized Punto Raffa Volo rules of play.
The players
Ava Della Croce
She is a senior at Cor Jesu Academy and the youngest athlete to represent the United States in the World Bocce Championships.
The details
Competing on the global stage in Brazil, Della Croce tested her skills in precision shooting against top international talent. She qualified for this opportunity by winning the U.S. Bocce National Championship in June.
Timeline
June 2026: Della Croce won the U.S. National Championship gold.
October 13-17, 2026: The World Bocce Championships were held in Brazil.
Season Trajectory
Della Croce's performance at the international level marks the culmination of a year defined by her success at the U.S. Bocce National Championship. This progression shifts the competitive landscape for young U.S. bocce players aiming to qualify for global tournaments.
Della Croce's success at the U.S. Bocce National Championship in June was the essential requirement for her international qualification. Her performance in Brazil provides a benchmark for American competitors in the precision shooting discipline.
The takeaway
Della Croce demonstrates how consistent success at the domestic level can pave the way for international competition. Her journey highlights the importance of qualifying tournaments in setting the trajectory for aspiring professional athletes.
Further reading
For more news on local athletic achievements, visit the St. Louis Volleyball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St. Louis Call Newspapers.
