After years of dominating the indoor volleyball courts, Ava Witter is taking her talents to the sand. The senior athlete, who has played volleyball since she was seven, recently announced her commitment to a California university’s beach volleyball program, fulfilling a longtime dream of playing at the collegiate level.

Witter’s journey into volleyball began as a family tradition—her father, a former player, coached her in her early years, instilling a deep love for the sport. But it wasn’t until two years ago that she made the switch to beach volleyball, a decision that quickly reshaped her future.

“I just love the beach,” Witter said with a laugh. “One of my friends started playing and invited me to join. I tried it and immediately loved it.”

The recruiting process, often grueling for athletes, was made smoother with the help of her club coach, who played a significant role in reaching out to colleges on her behalf. Still, Witter had to put in the effort, sending countless emails to programs before landing the right fit.

What set her chosen school apart? For Witter, it was a combination of the coaching staff, the team culture, and the location.

“The coach is so sweet, and she’s a former Division 1 player who’s also short like me, which was really inspiring,” Witter said. “I always wanted to move to another state and be somewhere with a beach, and California is close enough to home that it doesn’t feel too far.”

As she looks ahead to her final high school season, Witter is eager to build strong connections with her teammates and make the most of her time on the sand.“Obviously, the wins are nice,” she said, “but I’m really looking forward to bonding with the team.”

With her commitment secured, Witter is ready to take on the next chapter of her volleyball career.