Ava Young
Clarendon Hills
What was goal for senior year?
To make it as far as we can as a team in the postseason. I like how our team has this very tight connection and feel like we have to do our best for each other.
How do you see your role as a team co-captain?
I try to build up everyone’s confidence so we can keep improving and advance further as a team.
What’s your specialty on the court?
I’m libero, the player in the back row who picks up digs and specializes in serve receive.
How long have you played volleyball?
Since I was 6. I can remember first learning to do an underhand serve during a youth fall league.
How have you improved over your four years on varsity?
I’ve learned to focus more on angles when I’m receiving a serve, because that’s what most important to the passers so they can set a good pass for the hitter.
Didn’t you set the school record for career digs?
Yes. I recently reached 1,250 digs — and still counting.
What’s been the key to your success?
I think it’s my passion for volleyball. I try to bring up everyone’s performance, and I really want the team to be successful.
How would your teammates describe you?
I would say calm, hardworking and determined.
How do you prepare for a match?
I usually listed to some pop music or talk to my teammates. As a team we dance to “Cotton Eye Joe” as part of our routine before home games.
Where are you heading next?
I’ve committed to play volleyball at University of Illinois Chicago. I’m thinking about studying kinesiology.
Why does head coach Kelly Stapleton like having Young on the squad?
Ava has been the backbone of our varsity team for the last four years. She is a calming force to everyone around her and challenges her teammates to be better every day. Many opposing coaches have commented on how frustrating it is to play against Ava because she gets everything up. I will miss Ava in the program for her consistency, passion for the sport and commitment.
— profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff
