Avery Long '23 Recruiting Profile

The first time I took the volleyball court in a game situation was in 6th grade at a new school a few days before first day of fall semester.   My family had moved across the state, settled in a new home and I was looking to play my first sport after seven years of competitive dance training.   

During new school orientation the volleyball coach asked if I would try out for the team and I was selected for the top team, playing with other athletes who had years of club experience.  I was completely out of my depth and in all honesty I was terrified during that first game.  After missing a few balls in my middle blocker/ hitter position I began to cry.   I felt this intense pressure, but the game was exciting, the teamwork was supportive and while I struggled a bit at first, I learned to love the game and began to find myself along the journey.    I had always been a quiet and more introverted child and volleyball gave me a new purpose with an opportunity to open up more and learn how to support my team.

Throughout Junior High I began playing club volleyball at Willowbrook Sports Club in Houston, took private lessons and attended camps at regional universities.  I was hooked on the game and learned to find great happiness in the sport.  In 8th grade we won state for our division at school and I knew I wanted to improve my skills to compete.  This was an exhilarating experience!

Fast forward to today in 10th grade, I found that the sport gave me much needed focus and I learned to love the grind of practice.  As much time as I have spent in the gym, the repetition, coaching and work never seem to get old, I look forward to each and every practice.   Volleyball is where I find my refuge from life and where I find the most joy.  

My college aspirations are to play ball in a winning program with a supportive coaching culture at a university that allows me to major in science, mathematics and technology fields of interest such as multimedia or digital design.   I really enjoy math and science and that analytical focus helps me in my play. 

I am grateful to have been raised in a family where my parents are still happily married, I have a younger brother and we have a tight family unit.  This has guided me, along with my education at Salem Lutheran and Concordia Lutheran, to be committed to leading with principles, character, honesty and hard work in all that I do.  Looking forward to playing for a fantastic program in 2023.