Ava Athman '24 Recruiting Profile

I am currently a Junior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School and have been a part of the Sauk Rapids volleyball program in some form since second grade. Starting with the Stormin Spikers Community program in elementary school to this most recent year where I am a returning starter on the high school varsity team. I have been playing volleyball for the majority of my life and I have so much love for the sport and the coaches, teammates, and mentors I have met along the way.

I am a very dedicated and driven athlete with many ambitious personal goals. I am a 5’9 MB/OH, weighing 150 lbs. I am participating in a vertical focused program with goals of improving my block jump and approach jump. As of right now, my standing reach is 7’4”, my block jump is 9’2”, and my approach jump is 9’6”. These statistics have all been verified and tested by Trevor Carlson, the trainer, and creator of the vertical program that I am grateful to be a part of.

I can offer a team many things but mainly I am a huge team player. I believe that we are all in this commitment of being on the team together and we are all responsible for upholding our own responsibilities for the team. I also bring a constant positive attitude to the team on and off the court. It is very important to be able to stay mentally strong and always leave your best self out on the court. I am constantly striving to learn something new to better my skills and my contribution to the team. 

My desired major is Pre-Med/Biology. I have always enjoyed biology and anatomy classes throughout my educational career. I have been dreaming of playing college volleyball since I joined the sport at a young age and I am willing to put in all of the hard work to make my dream a reality along with accomplishing my career goals.  My hope is to become a strong presence and player for a program that best suits my goals. I have worked really hard on making an impact in some way on every team and program that I have been a part of through working hard, staying focused, being kind, bringing energy, and being a lively member of the team.

As I stated earlier in this statement, I have been playing volleyball for the past nine years. I have encountered many coaches along the way that have inspired me and coached me into the athlete and person I am today. Below is a statement from a coach that I have been able to work with throughout my career. 

Coach David Hiedeman said, “You have always been a team player and willing to do your part, even playing multiple positions and helping others learn more about the game. You are the most coachable athlete I have ever coached, with a true passion and desire for skill improvement and learning.”