Aggie middle blocker Ava Napierski carries high school success into Division I career

During her junior year of high school, Ava committed to Utah State.  

“I was really hoping to get out of Utah just for a fun and different experience, but after talking with the coaching staff, I knew that I would love it here,” Ava said. “It’s just two hours away from home, so I love that my parents can come to games.” 

Moving from club and high school volleyball to Division I brought a new level of challenge. 

“At club, you paid to play. At a Division I school, they pay you to play,” Ryan said. “Now it becomes a job and a responsibility, and she took that heavy.” 

Ava appeared in 11 matches and started five as a freshman in 2024, finishing the season with 31 kills and 27 blocks.   

After sustaining a back injury five matches into her sophomore year, Ava had to cheer on her team from the sidelines as they won the 2025 Mountain West regular season and tournament championship. 

“It was really hard because we kind of thought I would be able to play at the end of the season, but that wasn’t the case,” Ava said.  

Ava Napierski, 3, attempts to spike past Utah blockers but is unsuccessful at the Wayne Estes Center on Sep. 6.

After months of physical therapy, Ava is back this season as a starter. 

“It almost feels like I didn’t miss a beat in a way, and I am really proud of how I handled that hard situation,” she said.  

Her team looks different this season, with new head coach Keith Smith and only a handful of players returning from last season. 

“I thought it would take some time to build our team culture,” Smith said, “but a lot of the girls have come up to me and talked about how they haven’t been on a team closer than this, which is really cool to hear.”  

Part of that culture, Smith said, is thanks to Ava.  

“She epitomizes joy,” Smith said. “On my first week here, she came into my office and stayed there for like two hours, just talking and being silly and having a good time, so it was really easy to connect with her right away.” 

This outgoing personality extends beyond volleyball. Off the court, Ava is studying communications with hopes of pursuing sports media and broadcasting. 

“My dad said I should try to become the next Erin Andrews,” Ava said. 

On the court, Ava plays middle blocker for the team, a position she has played throughout her club and high school careers.  

Standing at 6’1”, Ava originally played middle blocker because of her height. However, on her team at Utah State, she is one of the shorter middle blockers on the roster.  

“She’s not the tallest middle by any chance, but she’s definitely the fiercest,” Ryan said. 

Ava has carried that fierceness with her throughout her career.  

“I just try to bring the best out of myself and my teammates, not only at games, but practice too,” Ava said. “I try not to live too hard into the stats and just kind of try to be more present and work hard, and give my all, no matter what the situation is.”