Ava Haughy: From Indoor Volleyball to Beach Volleyball Star at ASU

Ava Haughy’s journey from Danville, California, to ASU’s beach volleyball team is a story of perseverance and passion.

Ava Haughy, a standout student-athlete at Arizona State University, has proven that resilience and passion can lead to incredible opportunities. Growing up in Danville, California, Ava was surrounded by a competitive sports environment that shaped her drive and determination. Her journey from indoor volleyball to excelling in beach volleyball during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to her adaptability and love for the game. Now a key player for ASU’s beach volleyball team and a sports business major, Ava balances the demands of collegiate athletics with personal growth, academic success, and her desire to inspire others both on and off the court.

Growing Up in a Competitive Family

Ava Haughy’s passion for sports was sparked early, growing up in Danville, California, with two older brothers, Alex and Kyle, who were heavily involved in athletics. The competitive environment in her household encouraged Ava to push herself and constantly strive for excellence. Whether it was a casual game in the backyard or cheering for each other at tournaments, sports were a central part of family life. Ava’s drive and determination were further shaped by her exposure to a variety of activities in her youth, starting with dance and expanding to soccer, softball, basketball, and eventually volleyball. This diverse athletic background not only helped Ava develop her skills but also instilled the fiery energy and resilience that would carry her to collegiate success.

Discovering Beach Volleyball

For Ava, the transition to beach volleyball was an unexpected silver lining during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially focused on indoor volleyball, Ava began to lose her passion for the sport, feeling as though she wasn’t reaching her full potential. When the pandemic shut down most indoor activities, Ava turned to the outdoors and joined a beach volleyball club to stay active. What began as an alternative quickly grew into a new love, as she discovered the unique rhythm and camaraderie of the game. Though adapting to the sand and the two-person format of beach volleyball posed challenges, Ava thrived in the more intimate and strategic setting, reigniting her passion for volleyball and setting her on a path to collegiate success. The freedom and joy she found on the sand not only transformed her athletic journey but also brought a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.

Choosing ASU

When it came time to decide on a college, Ava Haughy knew she wanted to stay on the West Coast, close enough to home in California but far enough to grow independently. After visiting multiple schools, Ava saved Arizona State University for last, and the moment she stepped on campus, she knew it was the right fit. She was drawn to the welcoming atmosphere, the strong coaching staff, and the vibrant campus community. “I fell in love right when I got here,” Ava shared about her decision to commit during her visit. Starting her collegiate journey at ASU has been a rewarding experience, offering Ava the opportunity to grow as both an athlete and a person while being surrounded by supportive teammates and mentors who inspire her daily.

Off the court, Ava embraces her personal style and shares her love for her hometown team, the San Francisco 49ers.

Life as a Student-Athlete

Balancing the rigorous demands of collegiate athletics with academics is no small feat, but Ava approaches it with determination and focus. As a sports business major at Arizona State University, she manages a packed schedule that includes daily practices, weight training three times a week, and conditioning sessions twice a week, all while participating in pre-season tournaments. On top of her athletic commitments, Ava attends classes every afternoon, making time management a crucial skill in her routine.

Game preparation is equally vital to her success. Ava relies on small rituals to stay centered, such as listening to music the night before to either pump herself up or calm her nerves. On game days, she often calls her mom for a grounding conversation, drawing strength and reassurance from their close relationship. These moments of personal connection and focus help Ava maintain her balance in a demanding, fast-paced lifestyle, ensuring she’s ready to give her all on and off the sand.

Lessons Learned Through Sports

Ava Haughy’s journey as a student-athlete has taught her invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the volleyball court. Time management, leadership, and self-compassion have been central to her personal growth, as she navigates the demanding balance between academics, athletics, and personal life. One of Ava’s most profound realizations is the importance of being kind to herself, especially during tough times. "The biggest thing I've learned is to just be easy on myself," she reflects, acknowledging the challenges of competing at a high level while maintaining her mental well-being.

Ava’s commitment to improving her mental game has been transformative. After struggling with self-doubt and negative thoughts during her freshman year, she turned to a sports psychologist, a decision that has positively impacted both her performance and overall mindset. Through this experience, she’s gained tools to calm herself during matches, handle mistakes with grace, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Ava now understands that the mental aspect of sports can often outweigh the physical, and she continues to develop her resilience to stay focused and confident. Her ability to embrace these lessons has made her a stronger athlete and a more grounded individual.

Building Bonds with Teammates

For Ava, her teammates at Arizona State University have become like family, forming bonds that go beyond the game. Living with her teammates during her freshman year fostered a sisterhood built on shared experiences, support, and trust. These connections deepened during an extraordinary season where ASU’s beach volleyball team made history—earning their first national ranking, breaking multiple records, and defeating top-ranked teams, including a dramatic victory over Stanford, the number two team in the nation.

The camaraderie extended off the court as well, with countless memories from team dinners, late-night hotel stays, and the thrill of traveling together to tournaments across the country. “What really got us so close was the season we had,” Ava shared, reflecting on how the team’s successes and challenges brought them closer. For Ava, these relationships are more than friendships—they are the foundation of a support system that inspires her to push harder, celebrate victories, and navigate setbacks together.

Ava Haughy brings her passion and energy to every game as a key player for ASU's beach volleyball team.

Giving Back Through Coaching

Coaching younger players during the summer is a role Ava Haughy cherishes, as it allows her to give back to the club that played a pivotal role in her own journey. Returning to her roots, Ava brings not only her skills but also the life lessons she’s gained as a collegiate athlete. She shares the wisdom of her experiences, emphasizing to the next generation of players that attitude and effort often outweigh raw talent.

Ava finds immense joy in mentoring younger athletes, helping them build confidence and develop their skills on the sand. She encourages them to stay positive, persevere through challenges, and recognize the value of teamwork. For Ava, coaching is about more than just improving technique—it’s about shaping character, fostering resilience, and inspiring the same passion for beach volleyball that changed her own life. This opportunity to guide and empower others has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her connection to the sport.

Personal Interests Beyond Volleyball

While volleyball plays a significant role in Ava’s life, she values finding balance by embracing activities that allow her to decompress and connect with others. One of her favorite ways to unwind is taking sunset walks with her teammates, where they share stories about their day and enjoy time away from the demands of training and academics. Ava also cherishes simple moments, like candy runs to the market or casual dinners, which help her recharge and maintain her close friendships.

Outside of sports, Ava’s personal interests continue to evolve. She’s exploring her sense of fashion, striking a balance between athleisure during the week and dressing up for weekend outings. Her love for jewelry is another way she expresses herself—Ava proudly wears necklaces and earrings she rarely takes off, finding joy in these small yet meaningful touches. These interests reflect Ava’s ability to create a well-rounded life, blending her dedication to athletics with a genuine appreciation for the everyday moments that bring her happiness.

Ava’s Legacy and Aspirations

Ava Haughy hopes to leave a lasting impression as someone who is approachable, supportive, and a source of positivity for those around her. Whether as a teammate, friend, or mentor, she strives to create an environment where people feel comfortable, valued, and inspired. “I want to be remembered as someone anybody can talk to and who makes others feel better, no matter what mood they’re in,” Ava shared.

Looking ahead, Ava’s career aspirations reflect her deep connection to sports. With a major in sports business, she envisions a future in sideline reporting or working in sports management, helping teams navigate contracts and operations. These goals allow her to stay close to the athletic world that has shaped her life. Grateful for the experiences and people who have supported her journey—from her family and teammates to her coaches and friends—Ava is determined to carry forward the lessons she’s learned and make a meaningful impact in her future endeavors.

Celebrating Ava’s Inspiring Journey

Ava Haughy’s journey from a competitive upbringing in Danville, California, to excelling as a beach volleyball athlete at Arizona State University is a testament to resilience, passion, and self-discovery. Her ability to adapt, overcome challenges, and embrace new opportunities has made her a standout both on and off the court. Whether mentoring younger athletes, breaking records with her team, or balancing the demands of being a student-athlete, Ava’s story highlights the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and staying true to oneself.

What aspects of Ava’s journey resonate most with you? We’d love to hear your experiences with balancing sports, academics, and life in the comments below. Share your thoughts and stories—whether you're an athlete, coach, or fan—and join the conversation celebrating the dedication and spirit that define people like Ava.

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