Ava Close-Boyd – Athlete Biography

Ava Close-Boyd is an accomplished student-athlete from DuPont, Washington, and a proud student of Charles Wright Academy. She is committed to continuing both her academic and athletic journey at Rocky Mountain College, where she plans to pursue a degree in Aviation as she prepares for an exciting future career.

Ava has distinguished herself as a highly decorated volleyball player, earning First Team All-League honors during both her junior and senior years, along with Second Team All-League recognition as a sophomore. Her consistent excellence on the court also led to being named an Athlete of the Year nominee in both her junior and senior seasons—an honor that reflects her leadership, work ethic, and impact on her team.

One of Ava’s most memorable volleyball experiences came during her 17s club season, when her team earned a bid at regionals and advanced to nationals. This milestone marked a significant achievement in her athletic career and highlighted her ability to compete at a high level alongside her teammates.

Off the court, Ava has demonstrated equal dedication to her academics and community. She earned the 100 Hours of Service Award during her junior year and was honored as a Cheney Foundation Scholarship recipient as a senior—recognitions that showcase both her commitment to service and academic excellence. Additionally, Ava’s creative side shines through her achievements in writing, having received the prestigious Brown University Book Award for Creative Writing.

Ava draws inspiration from her stepmom, whom she admires as one of the most hardworking individuals she knows. She carries that same determination into all aspects of her life. Her outlook is guided by the quote, “What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly,” from Winnie the Pooh—a reflection of her willingness to take risks and chase her dreams. She also finds motivation in the song “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, which fuels her competitive mindset.

Looking ahead, Ava envisions herself graduating from college and launching her professional career in aviation. Her focus, discipline, and drive position her well for achieving those goals.

To younger athletes, Ava offers simple but powerful advice: stay true to yourself. She believes authenticity is key to both personal growth and success in sports.

Ava extends her gratitude to Coach Kayla, who has been a constant source of support throughout her volleyball journey, helping her grow both as an athlete and as an individual.

Favorite Color: Green

Grace Holstrom | Sports Recruits

About Me

Someone that inspires me so much is my high school volleyball coach, Christie Oldright. She has taught me how to believe in myself, push myself beyond my limits, and how to compete. She is strong, passionate, and loves the game, and she has taught me so many valuable lessons that I can implement in my future as a student athlete and for that I am forever grateful.  Something about me that many people don’t know is my love for ceramics. I love art as a whole, but this is my favorite medium to work with. I love being creative and working hands-on!

I can see myself beginning to pursue my dream career in graphic design. I am hoping to build connections throughout college and build a network for future internship/job opportunities that may arise.  I would like to thank my family for sacrificing so much for me to be able to play the sport that I love. They have worked so hard and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I would also like to thank all of my high school and club coaches for always believing in me and always pushing me to be the best version of myself I can be. I have had such positive change in my life because of these people and I can thank them for the person I am today.

• High School: Olympia
• Hometown: Olympia, WA
• College Commitment: Seattle Pacific University
• Degree Pursuing: Business & Graphic Design
• Years at PSVBA: 1

Volleyball Accomplishments:

• WIAA State 4A – 6th place 2022
• WIAA State 4A – 3rd place 2023
• 4X time state participant
• All-State Honorable Mention (2024)
• 2X Coaches Award
• 3X Varsity Team Captain Award
• SPSL All League 2nd Team 2023
• SPSL All League 1st Team 2024

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

• State Award – 1st Place for Ceramic Box
• State Award – 3rd Place for Ceramic Jar

MY FAVORITES

If you want something you’ve never had, you have to be willing to do something you’ve never done.

• Volleyball Memories: Some of my most memorable volleyball moments were going to state– whether it be listening to music on the bus, the fun nights at the hotel, winning games and advancing, making it to the semifinals in 2023–it was so fun to just be there to compete. I will also forever cherish my high school retreat we did every year at Cispus for team building. Hype time in the locker room was one of my favorites too!
• Song: Walking On A Dream by Empire of the Sun.
• Color: Orange

I would tell young club players to not put too much pressure on yourself. You are going to make mistakes. You are going to have bad days. But that is what makes you better. Just play loose and have fun, because that is when you do best. Let go of the worries you can’t control, don’t compare yourself to the others around you. Focus on you and your personal progress and always have a positive mindset. With hard work and consistency, you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.

Dora Karlo | Sports Recruits

About Me

My dad inspires me because he understands me like no one else.  He went through everything that I am going through and he always knows how to motivate me and push me to be my best self.  In 5 years from now, I see myself pushing myself to get better, playing volleyball and finishing up college.  After that, on my way to go back to Europe and hoping to play professionally.  I want to thank God, my family, host family, friends, and coaches for supporting me throughout my career!

• High School: Charles Wright Academy
• Hometown: Zagreb, Croatia
• College Commitment: Navarro College
• Degree Pursuing: Business
• Years at PSVBA: 2

Volleyball Accomplishments:

• Winning many National Championships in Croatia
• 2X High School Team Captain (Jr, Sr)
• 2X 1st Team All-League (Jr, Sr)

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

• ASSIST Scholar Selection – Full Scholarship
• Exchange Student

MY FAVORITES

Inspirational Quote:  “The principle is competing against yourself.  It’s about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before.” – by My Dad (it’s not his quote but he always tells me this)

• Song: svijet voli pobjednike – colonia
• Color: Purple
• Other: I like stuffed animals

Advice I would give to younger players

 

Work hard.  Have dreams, but dreams without goals are just dreams so, know your goals. But have smaller goals that will get you to your big goals, and then by completing the smaller ones everyday you will achieve the big ones!

 

“Don’t count the days; make the days count” – muhammed ali

About Me

Blue is my favorite color and I like the song ” I serve the bass” by future.  My little sister Makayla inspires me to do my best because I refuse to be the worse at volleyball out of the two of us.  My most memorable volleyball moment was when I went to Arizona with my high school team and we were able to play other teams at such a high level.  Something that most people don’t know about me is I really enjoy playing the piano.  In 5 years, I see myself continuing my education to become a gynecologist.  I would like to thank both of my parents and my sister, Makayla. I would also like to thank every coach I’ve had the honor of working with throughout my volleyball career.

• High School: Emerald Ridge
• Hometown: Puyallup, WA
• College Attending: Undecided
• Degree Pursuing: Biology
• Years at PSVBA: 3

Volleyball Accomplishments:

• Going to nationals my 16s year while playing for Puget sound.

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

• Becoming a first-generation college student and making my parents proud.

Advice for younger players

I would tell them to be confident in themselves even if they must fake it because it will eventually feel natural. Also always have fun!

About Me

I’m inspired by my high school volleyball coach Loni, inspires me the most. She has been through so much and still pushes herself to give 100% with everything she does.  Something about me that most people don’t know is I want to travel around the world and help others in need.  In 5 years, I hope to be working as a nurse, either doing travel nursing or labor and delivery.  I’d like to thank my family.  My parents have done so much to make volleyball happen for me. My family has always been my biggest supporters.

• High School: Graham Kapowsin
• Hometown: Puyallup, WA
• College Attending: Grand Canyon University
• Degree Pursuing: Nursing
• Years at PSVBA: 3

Volleyball Accomplishments:

• Winning state with my high school volleyball team my senior year.

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

• Graduating with my Associate Degree by the end of high school.

My most memorable volleyball moments:

• Every single state championship tournament with my high school team.
• And nationals with my club team.

MY FAVORITES

Inspirational Quote: You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.” -Serena Williams

• Motivational or Inspirational Song: I bet you won’t – Level
• Color: Blue

Advice for younger players

Have fun while it lasts!