Words by Marla Price | Images by Al Blanton
Addison High School junior Ava Bartlett is a three-sport athlete whose passion and dedication set her apart both on and off the court. She plays volleyball, basketball, and track, excelling in each. On the volleyball court, she’s a fierce middle blocker; in basketball, a reliable power forward; and in track, she competes in the high jump, long jump, and 300-meter hurdles, earning the title of state champion in high jump as a freshman.
Volleyball holds a special place in Ava’s heart. Of all the sports she plays, it’s her favorite, so much so that she’s often one of the last to leave the gym.
“Anytime the gym is open, I’m there,” she said with a smile. Ava also draws inspiration from other athletes, especially Harper Murray of Nebraska. “She’s just really good at volleyball and fun to watch,” Ava said.
Ava’s goal is to play college volleyball and become a radiology technician—a career that first caught her interest after her uncle, who works in the medical field, described it to her. “It just sounded like something I’d really love to do,” she said.
October is a particularly exciting time for Ava—not only because she’s preparing for volleyball regionals and the state tournament, but also because her birthday falls on Halloween, her favorite holiday.
Outside of sports, she enjoys fishing, deer hunting, and spending time with friends.
Ava says her favorite part of being an athlete at Addison is the friendships and bonds she’s built over the years— “I’ve made so many great friends through sports,” she said.
Ava also realizes that she’s in a place to serve as a leader. “The younger girls always ask me things, and I love helping them out,” she said.
As a teammate and role model, Ava is the perfect example of what it means to be an Addison Bulldog: a relentless pursuit of excellence, a competitive spirit, and a desire to give her all for her team. 67
