COMMITTED

Committed by Ava Haughy and Ava Williamson: Beach Volleyball, Transfer Portal, NCAA Championship, Recruitment,

• Kate Fitzgerald • Episode 4

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In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with former Arizona State beach volleyball teammates Ava Haughy and Ava Williamson to share an honest look into the reality of Division I athletics.

From navigating recruiting to entering college as freshmen on a historic NCAA tournament team to then transferring after their freshman year, both athletes open up about what it actually takes to compete at the next level.

They break down the transition into college athletics: early mornings, intense training schedules, and the mental pressure that comes with stepping into a completely new environment.

The conversation dives into comparison, feeling behind in recruiting, and why starting later can actually become an advantage.

Ava and Ava also share their experiences navigating the transfer portal, the emotional challenge of leaving teammates, and how to make decisions that prioritize long-term growth over comfort.

This episode is a real, unfiltered look at what it means to grow through change, trust your path, and build an identity beyond your sport. 

Follow Ava Haughy:
Instagram: @avahaughy

Follow Ava Williamson:
Instagram: @avagwilliamson

  • To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
  • Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • YouTube: @kateafitzgerald
SPEAKER_01

I've been told so many times like that the game is in my control, but it doesn't always feel like that. When you play beach, like you start in August and then you literally don't play until like the end of February. So it's like a really long time where you're just like training. A lot of girls who are in college now like ended up like peeking in high school almost. They might have been like the best player like out on the beach, but then like you get to college and it's like a totally different game. I hate feeling like comfortable. And so I feel like I used to feel like that'll just never be the case because I'm not gonna be the best one there.

SPEAKER_00

When you guys all met, was it an immediate click? I would say it wasn't an immediate click. What does it really take to make it to the next level in sports? And is it worth the sacrifices? If you could ask a college pro athlete one unfiltered question about their journey, what would it be? And why? And are the choices you're making today? The teams, the coaches, the training schedule, the study of the success of burning you out before you even get there. I'm Kate Fitzgerald, a T1 Beach volleyball player, walk-on-turn scholarship athlete, female and sport leader, and now the founder of two businesses, built through NIL. But none of that came easy. And trust me, most of it was a brochure. Hi everyone, and welcome to this week's podcast episode. Today is a very special episode because I have two very dear friends. They are former teammates of mine from Beach Volleyball at Arizona State University. They were freshmen my senior year, and I'm just so excited to be able to come on here, share their story, and give you guys some really good insight from really, really talented athletes. We have a resilient freshman from California whose shift from indoor volleyball to beach volleyball really shined during COVID. It helped her become a key player in ASU's historic NCAA tournament season. And she's not just about the game, but she's into way more than that fashion, beauty, athletic performance, and just sharing her story with the next generation of athletes. The other guest we have today also was a key standout player, playing once pretty much the entire season for ASU's first ever NCAA tournament historic run season. She has her presence, it was a natural edition. She's an all-star teammate. She's confident, she has a shared history, both in beach volleyball, and she is so excited to be here today with both of them. And please meet Ava and Ava. Go ahead and introduce yourself, you guys.

SPEAKER_01

Hey guys, um, I'm Ava Williamson. I'm originally from Texas and I played two years at Arizona State where I met Kate and the other Ava. And now I just transferred and I'll be starting at UCLA in the fall. Hello, my name's Ava Hoy. I'm originally from Danville, California. And I as well played my first two years at Arizona State, where I did meet Kate and Ava and just transferred to UC Berkeley.

SPEAKER_00

Amazing. Well, I am, like I said a million times, I'm so excited to have both of you guys here today because they were freshmen my senior year and just came in and absolutely dominated. That first year they were there. We made our first ever NCAA appearance, and they were key, key players in that entire run. But not only are they very talented beach volleyball players, they're some of the kindest girls you'll ever meet. So I'm so excited. Today we're gonna dive into everything from athletic performance, what it's like coming in and having such a standout season as a freshman, how to navigate transfer portal, and just navigate friendship through all of it and just like staying true to yourself. So before we get into all of that, let's throw it way back to the very beginning. And I'm gonna give each of you a chance to just talk about and bounce off each other. What was recruitment like for each of you? Were there like cringe moments, spotlight moments? Like what was that recruitment journey like?

SPEAKER_01

I feel like our journeys were pretty different, but mine was also like kind of unique just being from Texas because there's like not as much of like a beach volleyball presence here. So it was a lot harder to like get noticed. And we were coming off of the like COVID time. So like our whole sophomore year, like coaches weren't allowed to go out and like go to camps and clinics and stuff. So we had to be like sending film and sending emails. That was like the only way that we could like talk to them, which isn't as effective as like them seeing you in person. So at least for me, it was like a lot more difficult than I originally thought it was gonna be, just because like I had like virtually not been seen like at all before June 15th of like going into my junior year. And I think that's like similar for you, Hoy. Um, because like you didn't play beach, but like that was kind of hard because there was a lot of girls that like had grown up and these coaches just like knew them since they were like 10, 12 years old.

SPEAKER_00

Did you have like a template that how did you stand out if you were just sending emails? Like what do you think made you stand out to coaches?

SPEAKER_01

I don't think I like a very good job of like standing out. Like, I feel like that's something that I like could have done a better job at because I would just like write a basic email and send it to like 15, 20 different schools, and it would have some like mediocre film that I had like thrown together. And I think I kind of took it more like it was like a laxadaisical approach. And then like once recruiting started, I was like, oh wait, I should have done more. Makes sense. What about you, Hoy? I would say like when I look back at my recruiting process, like I cringe a lot to myself because I literally had no idea what I was doing and just learned was like learning everything. And by the time like June 15th came around, that recruiting day, like I was still like a fully committed indoor player, like hadn't even touched beach volleyball. And then like within those like next couple months, I like joined the club and all the girls were committed. And I remember just feeling like so far behind, and like like I was never gonna get to the spot that they were in, like looking at like um Awil and I's like class, like people committed really, really fast and like really, really early. And like when you like open Instagram and see like every single day, like a new commitment, you just feel like, oh my gosh, like I'm running out of time, like I'm not gonna have like a school to go to. So kind of like I just kind of started like really dedicating myself to the beach game and then ended up quitting indoor for like November of that year, and like fully like the those next months, like November through like February, like did all the beach volleyball camps or like recruiting showcases I could, like sent like mass emails, and then again, like I still didn't really know what I was saying in those emails or like on my phone calls. But I think what really helped me was like getting out and like going to those recruiting showcase tournaments and like finally when coaches could come watch again, like having them just like come watch me play.

SPEAKER_00

Do you think that maybe because both of you not started later, but you in a sense did that actually made you kind of better players in the long run and it made you have a love for the game once you got to college longer than maybe some of those girls that committed really early and just like did it take their time a little longer?

SPEAKER_01

Honestly, like yeah, I see I've seen it like a couple of times, like a lot of girls who are in college now, like ended up like peaking in high school almost, and like they might have been like the best player like out on the beach, but then like you get to college and it's like a totally different game. So I'd say, like, yes, it did bring like a different sense of love because it was still like fresh and like kind of new coming into college, yeah.

SPEAKER_00

So it was like still like all like just like fun. Yeah, that makes sense. I mean, I was similar, I didn't even start beach volleyball until going into my sophomore year high school, and it was similar, and it made it easier to keep playing and enjoy it when those days got tough because inevitably they'll be tough days, yeah. There'll be some fun times. So then once you started getting recruited and you started getting notice, how did you guys navigate where you wanted to go and what you wanted to do?

SPEAKER_01

My whole process was very like independent driven. Like my parents, like I wouldn't like let them in the room during my phone calls. Like I was like journal, like I was very like, because a lot of people like they like have their parents on like every call. Their parents are asking questions, like they kind of have their parents like take over, but I was very much like I wanted to do it on my own, and I wanted to like like obviously my parents came on visits with me because they like kind of had to, but besides that, like I was doing all the calls on my own. And I feel like that honestly helped me because it made it like if if it's just me talking to the coach, then like I have to, that's what it's gonna be most of the time. So you have to like learn how to like speak to an adult and like a coach in that setting. Yeah. I don't know. I feel like once I like just kind of narrowed down my options, like it for me, it just kind of like ended up being ASU. Like there wasn't really like a big like, oh, like I have all these schools to pick from, like, I don't know what I'm gonna pick. Like it was it just eventually kind of like dwindled down and like ASU is just kind of like the yeah, old.

SPEAKER_00

But I think that's so normal. I think that like a lot of people athlete, a lot of athletes actually have that where they don't have a ton of options. But nowadays people think I'm supposed to have 20 options or five, even three options to choose from. But it's actually really normal to say, oh my god, I got this one option that's good and I need to take it. And um, I think more people need to lean into that, even if it's D1, D2, D3, whatever level. Yeah.

unknown

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Ava, were you dead set on ASU? Ava Hoy, were you dead set on ASU, or did you kind of have trouble?

SPEAKER_01

Honestly, like, no, with like me being so new to the whole like peach game and like having to start my recruiting so fast. Like, I was the same way as A Will, like, didn't let my parents in on anything, like I wanted to handle it myself. Like, because at the end of the day, like she's right, it is gonna be my coach one day, like, not my parents' coaches. Like, it is important for my parents to know them, but at the end of the day, like, I feel like that's like our responsibility. Yeah, and like as far as like knowing where I wanted to go, I literally had no idea. I knew I wanted to stay like on the West Coast and like wanted to go to a big school, but those were like my only two like things that I really wanted. And same thing, like I went on my visit to ASU and I happened to like check a lot of my boxes, and I really liked it.

SPEAKER_00

Well, I think that's important is talking about recruitment is making sure boxes are checked. You guys can attest to this. So when the days get hard at practice, you actually enjoy the environment outside. Yeah, I think that's the key, right? So you knew that kind of when you guys were in recruitment. What were the other boxes that you wanted checked?

SPEAKER_01

Just like I wanted like a good sports environment and like I care about school too. So something that had like a business major, which I know I wanted to do, and like also I guess like a strong up-and-coming program, and like it was important, like reputation-wise, like knowing I was going into like a school with good people as well.

SPEAKER_00

That's very important. The culture of the team can make a huge difference, and not that one or the other's bad, but you need to recognize what culture you actually want to thrive in. Yeah. Yeah. And you guys both said your parents were involved in the recruitment process, and that's actually not as common. A lot of people, like you said, are like, mom, dad, help me with everything. Do you think that made you? You kind of just already mentioned that it made it better when you got there, but how was that really a benefit once you got to the university by not including your parents within all of the recruitment?

SPEAKER_01

Okay. I was just gonna say, I feel like it kind of makes you like grow up just like a little bit faster because it like it's uncomfortable. Like it's not fun sometimes to like sit in there with like coaches and like it's awkward. Like there's so many awkward silences, like you'll talk at the same time. Like you're literally like 16 years old and you're talking to like these like older coaches that are really like intimidating to you, and you want them to like you and all this stuff. But like if you let your parents like take over in those moments, then like you're just kind of like pushing back the inevitable that like you're gonna eventually get to that school and you're gonna have like your first one-on-one meeting, and then you're gonna be like really thrown off because you have like prior experience with that. So I feel like it helped me. I think like a lot of parents like want to be involved, which is like good because they want to like they want to support their kids. Yeah, they want to support, but like I'm really glad that I like decided to do it on my own.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, it creates a lot of soft skills too for the future that can translate outside of just your sport and your atmosphere. It also probably made you guys stand out at a young age because that independence is like, oh, this coach is gets them there, and they're like, Oh, they're coachable, they're independent, you know, they're mature. Yeah. So that's really interesting. You finally both then were going through the recruitment process. You guys had a very similar recruitment process. So when at what point did you commit and then meet each other and start to like click with the team and get to know your freshman class?

SPEAKER_01

I I think I was like the fourth person to commit. And then I committed in like March of 2024. Or sorry, 2022. Just kidding. And then that summer, like in LA, I had met Awell and like a couple of the other girls, and we just kind of hung out and started forming like those early relationships because like we knew we were probably gonna be like all roommates in the dorms and like be super close because we were all like new to it together and like going into college together.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. Was it when you guys all met? Was it an immediate click, or was it like, okay, we all have to be friends because we're kind of into college together?

SPEAKER_01

I would say it wasn't an immediate click, it was more just like small talk, like, oh blah blah blah blah, just like the basics. And then I'd say, like, when we all got really close was like when we actually started college. Like it helps like meet beforehand, so it's not like super awkward when you get there. But yeah, definitely like whenever volleyball started and like the hard thing started, like we almost like bonded in a way through like the hard and the good, the good, the bad, the terrible, all that.

SPEAKER_00

All the ups and the downs, ups and downs. Yeah. So I mean, that's great because when you got here freshman year, that's so important, like you said, to meet people beforehand because freshman year is rough. Freshman year is a lot of different ways. And not only that, I remember your freshman class came in with a lot of different dynamics and personalities, as most freshman classes do. So you kind of said as you got here, you were able to lean on each other through the hard times. Like, what were those hard times like as a freshman? Were those sweaty practices, new friendship, all of that? What were those hard times you guys faced that freshman year? And how do you lean and build on each other independently or together?

SPEAKER_01

I mean, I feel like it's just a lot of like everything is so new. And you kind of like, I went in like not knowing anything about like the life of like being a D1 athlete, let alone like all the hours of practicing, like lifting conditioning, and then going straight to class, and like how like you're like not sleeping enough, and then like you realize like you're not the only one in the that like boat, like all your teammates are also like feeling that exact same way. So, like whenever we would like see each other and talk about it at the end of the day, like I feel like that really helped, and like you just felt like you weren't alone through anything. Yeah, I agree. I feel like the easiest way that like our class in like we got close with like the older girls eventually, but I feel like being a freshman, like our class got really close really fast because like it is like so new, and you're kind of like the only ones that like are experiencing that, except like our freshman year team, there was like a lot of transfers too. So that actually made it kind of unique because like half the team was new almost, so there was like a lot of like newness, but like honestly, like I don't really remember much about being like a freshman the first couple of weeks because I literally think I was in like fight or flight mode like the whole time. Like there was just so much going on, like so many new people, like so many, like just like a different environment. Like, whenever I like think back on that time, like all I can remember is just like being like confused and like slightly on edge for like the first like two months.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. Do either of you remember that first day of practice and what it was like no or that first week.

SPEAKER_01

No, I just you're like I blocked around my memory. Yeah, I'm like I did, but like I just remember like just like feeling like so like scared and like shy because it's like so intimidating, like you're going to a whole new place and like you like almost want to like impress like the older girls, and like sure, I don't know, like everything was just like so scary, and like you just like I don't know, kind of like want to hide and not be like like notice, but also like I don't know, it's just like there's yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Did you talk about that amongst each other or how when did you finally feel that start to go away or at least start to get better?

SPEAKER_01

For me, like that feeling started going away whenever like we would start traveling. So whether that be like in the fall and you get paired with like a senior as your roommate, I feel like that really helps. And then also like whenever season starts, like all you're doing is like traveling with each other and like eating every single meal together, or like literally seeing each other like 24-7. So I feel like you start to just like I don't know, form like the most deep bonds, like you never knew you could have with somebody. Like, if I were to like tell myself in August of my freshman year that these girls would be like my best friends by the time February came, like I wouldn't have believed it. So I'd say, like, but whenever like season started and like traveling and doing everything together, like all that shyness went away, and like you can totally just like be yourself and like don't be afraid to like mess up or anything.

SPEAKER_00

Okay, so let's look back at that freshman year, sophomore year. You guys are nervous. Like, what does an average day look like as a D1 beach volleyball player? What were your first days like?

SPEAKER_01

Okay, so I'll just talk about like the fall in general that I can remember. It's like it's really hot in Arizona, like really hot. So we have to get up really early to do like conditioning. So, like, usually like we'd have to get there like 6 15 for conditioning, and then like we'll condition and then we'll practice for like two and a half hours. And then on the days that we like aren't conditioning, we're lifting, so we'll like lift after, but then it's like immediately after practice, you're like sandy, sweaty, whatever. We like rush back to the dorms, freshman year and then sophomore year our apartment, like shower off. I had a lot of in-person classes, so I would always like kind of have to like rinse off and like eat a quick lunch and then go straight to class. You just go to class covered in sand, yeah. Yeah, basically. I actually did have a class one time that I had to go straight from practice, and that was really embarrassing because I would literally be like it would be sandy whenever I would stand up. So that was bad. And then usually, like, we'll like I'll have classes during the day, and then at night we would like come back together and meet up for dinner, whether we were like going somewhere in Tempe or if we were going to like athlete meal that ASU provides.

SPEAKER_00

Okay, I have to call out right now because talking about like the busy schedule of the D1 athlete, Ahoy is literally with her backpack on walking right now. Where are you going? What are you doing?

SPEAKER_01

Um, so I just had two back-to-back classes. I've been in class the last four hours. So trying to go find some time to eat dinner and and put podcasts in there while you're at it. Yeah, I'm just podcasting my day in the life, I guess. Did you have practice this morning too?

unknown

Yep.

SPEAKER_01

How long was it? Then I had two and a half hours and then I had a bunch of compliance meetings just because it's like the beginning of the year. So practice and then back-to-back meetings and then class. So now I'm here podcasting.

SPEAKER_00

Yay, yeah. I will thank you for fitting us into your time schedule today. Oh, of course, anytime. Yeah, see, this is an average, legitimate average day in the life of a student athlete. You just fit in time management skills, immaculate. I want to get into a little bit of the details because you both obviously started at ASU and transferred. And you both transferred for your own reasons. But do you remember, like, obviously, people get into college and you hear, oh, there's wonderful, there's all these opportunities, but there's also a lot of like hard time that comes with wherever you pick from a freshman year. So, how are you both comfortable? Like, okay, I love it here, and this is the place I chose for a lot of reasons, but now I want to leave it. So, how did you manage that transfer process? What kind of sparked you to transfer? And then how'd you go through it?

SPEAKER_01

I mean, I guess for me, like it was honestly like seriously, like the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my life because like genuinely, like, I loved ASU and I like had so much fun at that school. But ultimately for me, like I really wanted to be like that closer to home. Like, I got to experience going to school like two years out of state. But um, just like I don't know, having like a sense of like familiarity and like home was super big for me, and also just like coming on my visit to Calic it checked pretty much like all the boxes I've ever had.

SPEAKER_00

So Awell, yours was a little bit different when you decided you wanted to transfer. So what was that like and how did you make your decision?

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, I feel like mine was like a lot more thought put into it over like a long period of time. Like it had kind of like been in the back of my mind, like even whenever I came to ASU, like my freshman year. Um, just because like talking to like parents, friends from home, like people like in Texas that knew me, like it didn't seem like the actual school, like completely apart from like the volleyball side, like the actual school, everyone was kind of like like I don't know if that's like a great fit. And that was like just kind of playing in the back of my head for like a lot of freshman year. But then once I actually got there and I like met all the girls and like we started up practicing, like I just loved being a college athlete, like I just really liked the like grind and I loved our team. Like the team, my freshman year was just like perfect. Like, I really enjoyed being on that team, and so I feel like it was so much better than I was expecting my freshman year. So I like really didn't think about transferring much after my freshman year. And then once I came back, like sophomore year was just like really, really different. And I kind of felt more of like what I was worried about, just in the sense of like not really fitting in like in the school sense. But like the one thing that made the decision really, really hard was like my friends that I had made because like I really, really loved like the friendships that I had made there. And so that was like the last thing kind of like holding me back was that I was like, I was really gonna miss those friendships, and I knew that I'd have to completely start over. And then also once we didn't like go to Gulf Shores, that was like kind of a really hard time. And I think that made it like a little bit easier towards the end to just like cut it off.

SPEAKER_00

And well, it's so special because you develop these friendships going through hard times together and going through the ups and downs of being a college athlete, but you also need to hope that those friendships will last because you have to put yourself first. That's part of growing up. And I think sometimes athletes have a hard time with that of like, to what extent do you need to be really independent? But then you have the team also to count on. And so you need to develop the mindset of like, I have to put what's best for myself in this situation first. And we both we've all kind of bounced around talking about like hard times of freshman year and ups and downs. I mean, we definitely had fun off the court. I mean, senior night and all those weekends are some of the best memories that we've had. So Talk a little bit, Hoy, just about like how you were able to escape when you had a bad practice. Like when you had that quitting, I'm done, like I want to quit moment. Like, how did you escape that? And what was your I'm quitting moment?

SPEAKER_01

I would say definitely with time, like freshman year, I was kind of like a mess in that sense. Like for me, like freshman year a bad practice would mean a bad day. And I would carry that on with me to class. Like volleyball has nothing to do with class, and I was letting it like affect like quite literally everything in that day. And what really helped me was like turning to like a sports psych and like gaining tools and just learning like a bunch of other stuff to like handle myself better in a way.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, that makes sense. Do you guys remember the first time like the coaches just absolutely yelled at us? Like we, I mean, I have a lot of memories of that after the four years, but like do you both remember the first time that like it's so normal as a college athlete, you're gonna get yelled at all the time. But do you remember that first time as a freshman? Maybe that the coaches were just like get on the line.

SPEAKER_01

I can't recall like a certain like exact memory. I feel like there's like a lot of them that like run together because like you kind of just get like used to it. Like it's like you said, it's just kind of like a part of it's just part of it, like being, yeah, like you just like show up and like sometimes like some days are worse than others. Some of it, like I feel like is deserved and some isn't. So like it all kind of just like runs together in my head. And I don't feel like I I feel like I was never like singled out in like a moment where like I would really be like, oh my gosh, like this is like really bad. Like I feel like a lot of times it was more like team stuff. Yeah, oh yeah, yeah. But I can't remember. I do remember getting really yelled at for like iPads, like we would like do something wrong with like something like iPad related, and I just remember them always like getting mad.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, I remember one time we like didn't put the iPads away properly, we were like scrubbing the locker room and the gym equipment.

SPEAKER_01

Oh my gosh, like we were like cleaning the gym equipment, and I was so mad. Yeah, that's what I remember. I remember I think it was like also for leaving sand in the weight room. Yeah, we did have to go sweep the sand back. We had to take shift like cleaning growth, and I had to work this like backpack vacuum and walk around the weight room and just like vacuum up every little grain.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, I also remember one time. I think it was me and Yuhoi. We like messed up an assignment and we were literally shoveling sand, like to like we've got a lot of times, yeah.

SPEAKER_01

We like made it to the holes and video thing. Yeah, one time I forgot to like report that I didn't do too hot on an assignment, and the next day I was out there sweeping the shed, cleaning up, organizing it.

SPEAKER_00

No, I definitely senior year was like skipping my study whole hours. I was just done. It was senior and I they were like, get a shovel, get a shovel and get over there. And I just was like 20 minutes just like reshoveling, evening evening the sand back out. Oh my god, yeah, those were some fun memories for sure. I think some of the craziest memories had to be we have to talk about and preparity with listening about like conditioning and the workouts and the true grind it is when you become a college athlete. Because I think that's overlooked. People are like glamorize it, right? And they expect, yeah, you have two days and it's hard, but it's like your body's exhausted. And the last thing that's always, I mean, not that recovery is not prioritized, but that's not necessarily fully always built into the schedule. Your schedule is built around the weights and the conditioning and the practices. So, do you remember what was like some of the days you just came home so sore or those conditioning, like that night before conditioning in the sand? Like, what were you feeling?

SPEAKER_01

I feel like conditioning, like for me at first, just because I'm like I'm super like personally competitive. Like, I love to like like if we're conditioning, like I'm racing. Yeah, well, you were good at that. Yeah, but like I feel like my freshman fall, like I vividly remember being like, I might need to like tone it back a bit because like I would be racing people that had been doing it for like four years, and I would just like gas myself out so fast that like by the end I literally felt like I was like crawling. Um, but it's also like it's such a grind, but then it's also like so gratifying whenever like towards the end, like you can feel yourself like getting better at it. And like I feel like that feeling is so like addicting. Like once you get like good at it, then you like can't stop because then you just like want to get like better and better and better. And so I feel like that's also something that I've like learned to love, but like at the beginning it was really hard because like you literally just like feel like you're going 24-7. Like, that's why I don't remember like freshman fall because I've never had a schedule like so intense, like all the time. Like, you literally like can't breathe, but then like you get used to it and then it gets like normalized, you know?

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, totally. You're like, oh my god, I my legs have what was the last time I wasn't sore? Like, what does it feel like not to be sore? It's just normal. Yeah, yeah, it's just normal. I think I remember looking in the weight room, your sophomore year, and you guys were doing some pull-ups with weights around your necks. Oh my gosh, not me. I can't even do a normal pull-up. You were I thought you were doing that like a centric pull-up with the weights hanging around you. Yes, stick around a little bit.

SPEAKER_01

That did happen. Well, you just said no? You feel like I'm not doing this. Okay, I can't even do a normal pull-up. How do I add whiskey? But yeah. Oh yeah, I would get like terrible like nerves and like anxiety every Monday night and Wednesday night because you knew it was like conditioning eve. And then same thing with like going back after like winter break, because you know, like they're gonna know if you didn't work out. Oh yeah, they're gonna know. Oh yeah, and that and they'll let you know. So that was always call you out on the sideline. Yeah, that was always like very nerve-wracking. And then that's like you also know, like, that's when like the actual season's like about to start.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. So what did you guys think? How did your mindset shift between fall and spring season? Like, what what shifted within you to kind of be like, okay, see, I gotta really lock in season's going now.

SPEAKER_01

Honestly, like for me, like fall was like both falls I had was like super tough and like hard. And I was like, okay, if I can get through this and like survive, like I can do anything, like spring, like come at me. And that's basically like bringing it all in happening. Yeah, I was like, I can handle like anything now. I feel like, yeah. What about you, Ara? I feel like I had like no idea what to expect, really, but I just like remember like before getting super nervous, like I remember being really excited to kind of like showcase what we had worked on because like when you play beach, like you start in August and then you literally don't play until like the end of February. So it's like a really long time where you're just like training and like all you're doing is like like there's some false stuff, but like none of it is like season when it matters. And so I just remember being like really excited to like finally kind of like showcase the work that I'd yeah, and I like genuinely felt like I was like, there's l nothing else I could have done to prepare. So like if I'm not prepared by now, like there's nothing else I could do. So like before the like initial nerves or like the nerves hit, like I just remember being like really excited to start up and like yeah, I feel like I'm still excited when season comes.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, yeah. Let's talk about that first travel trip, or just in general, some of your favorite travel trips. But I remember our first travel trip for you guys as a freshman was to Florida, right? And it was Tampa was so much fun. I mean, it was my first time being there too. But you guys killed it. I mean, you guys absolutely killed it for your first ever trip, not only like first ever collegiate trip and then first ever collegiate game. I mean, how did you come out so strong and so successful? Like, what were you thinking that whole weekend? Were you just pure adrenaline going, or what was your mindset to come out so strong?

SPEAKER_01

I remember like seeing that like travel roster come out and like being so excited, like you made the travel roster and like you're going on a trip, and then like like the night before, like when the lineup came out, like it was like even more excitement, and you're just like, wow, like I can't believe like I did it. Like, it's because that's like that was like my number one goal freshman year is like to travel, but like let alone like also start. So just like seeing that like really instilled like a ton of confidence in me. And I was like, Okay, like I know I can do this because I earned it and I worked like my whole life to just earn this opportunity, so like why not just go out there and showcase like everything. Yeah, that makes sense. What about you, Awil? That was like probably the most nervous I can like ever remember. Like, probably only like one other time during season that I was like more nervous, like before NCAAs, but like I literally remember like shaking, like I was so nervous, like my hands were shaking. I was like, I couldn't eat, which like is so not normal for me. Like, I always like no matter how nervous I am, like, I'll have breakfast and stuff. But I literally remember being like so nervous because I just like didn't know what to expect, but it really helped because my partner at the time, it was also like her first college match, even though she was a sophomore. So like we were kind of in it together, and like we were like both super nervous, both like we both really care a lot about like winning and just like results and stuff. But I remember like even after the first game, like I was so like amped up, like I couldn't even like Danny, right? For the first game.

SPEAKER_00

No, I was with Arden. Oh, that's right. You were with Arden. You guys, yes, okay, okay.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, but like I just remember that whoever like was on the sideline, our coach, like he was like telling us he was like, You guys need to just like take a breath, like you need to chill out a little bit because we were like so amped up, we like couldn't even like contain ourselves, and it was making us like super like just like frenetic and jittery and stuff. But I have such like fond memories of Tampa, like I loved that trip.

SPEAKER_00

Such a fun trip, yeah. Oh, that trip was so fun. Was that the ice bath trip too? Didn't we like come back and take no? That was in Washington where we were literally in the bathtub to ice baths, and it was like 30 degrees outside. Yes, I remember it was our freshman year. It was like 30 degrees raining, and then we got back to the hotel. They're like, everyone loaded up ice baths in the hotel rooms. I think we cried.

SPEAKER_01

I actually think I'm I thought it was a joke. I thought it was a joke.

SPEAKER_00

I remember the captains were like, You're joking. Like, we'll do yoga, we'll do anything else. They're like, give me the tub. Anything it's up, yeah. Um, so then both of you guys, I mean, A, well, you're talking about how nervous you were starting off. Like, how did you how did that mindset change? Was it just through game by game you got more comfortable? Like, how did you grow and like ease those nerves throughout your playing career?

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, I think like slowly building confidence like throughout the whole year, because like me and Arden had a really strong start. Like we had a really strong like first couple of weekends, and then we like pulled off some big upsets and like we were just on like a really upward trend, which kind of like like I was super nervous and like doubtful, just like going in to like season at all, because I was like, I feel like I can't like compete, especially because I was like higher in the lineup. So I was like, these girls, like they're older than me, they have more experience than me. Like they're like, I'm just gonna get stomped on basically. And then whenever I like didn't, that like I slowly kind of started like proving to myself that I could hang. And then I think like once they made the switch from like they switched me from the twos to the ones. Then I also feel like that was a big confidence booster because then it was like, well, not only am I like seeing results for myself, but like my coaches are seeing it and my coaches are like moving up. So then I think it was all just kind of like building my confidence throughout the whole year, and it was just making me play better because I felt like everybody had my back.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. I mean, I remember we were so proud of you. You were absolutely killing it.

SPEAKER_01

That was like that senior class was also like so great because they were always just like hyped up, like, especially like us since we were like super nervous to be in the lineup as freshmen. Like, you guys, that whole senior class was always just like the best. Yeah, that class was the best.

SPEAKER_00

That was the best year. We had so much fun. The best senior night will live on forever. Hoy, how did your mindset change throughout like your playing career? How did you grow as a player?

SPEAKER_01

Honestly, like freshman year, I it started out great. Like, I I went in, like I said, to that game with like confidence. Like, I'm starting as a freshman, but I honestly think like it just like kind of went downhill from there for me. And I had lost like so much love for this like sport of beach volleyball and like a lot of confidence in myself because like the team was doing amazing, but I felt like I wasn't like those big upsets we had, like Stanford and Cal, like I didn't win my game. And I almost felt like in the like sense that I was letting the team down because I wasn't contributing to that. And I'd say, like, that was just like my whole freshman year, and then sophomore years when things got a little bit better for me. I kind of realized, like, okay, that's not like the mindset you have. That's kind of like a selfish mindset. Like, I should just be like grateful and glad my team is doing so well, and I am still a part of that because every single day I practice, like every single person on the team is a part of that. Like, we all push each other. Like, it doesn't matter if you win or lose your game, like you have four other pairs to like fall back on. So I think just like shifting my mindset from like that fixed mindset of like, oh, I'm letting my team down, like I'm not doing as well as I wanted, to like having that growth mindset and taking like every single game as like a learning lesson rather than like letting it just like bring me down and like take my confidence away, like really, really helps me.

SPEAKER_00

Well, I think it's also interesting what you guys both called out is beach football, as much as it's a team sport, it's very independent. I mean, all 20 girls are competing against all 20 girls. Anyone can be switched out at any moment in every lineup, it's not just the quarterback against the quarterback, right? Yeah, and so that really makes a hard time navigating partnerships, friendships, all of that, and especially some very, very headstrong females, very competitive. That it's like it's a lot. And both of you went through a lot of partner changes, so and ups and downs within the partners that you had. So, how did you kind of balance that? How did you handle that?

SPEAKER_01

I feel like Beach Film is so unique in that, like the whole partnership dynamic is like super like just a lot for girls because like we're already like we're on a team, like we're drama prone, like we're gonna like there's gonna happen. Like, yeah, there's gonna be stuff, but then it makes it even worse when like you're pairing people up and then you're pitting them against each other, and then you're ranking them and saying, This is my ones, this is, you know, like it's just like intense, like there's a lot of different dynamics going on, and like we've both experienced like a lot of like different partnerships, like yeah, like you said, like ups and downs within a partnership. But I feel like the one thing that I've learned like throughout it is like communicating is like always the best like way with like anyone ever, like especially in a partnership, because that's like not my go-to. Like, I'm not someone that's gonna like seek out confrontation or anything, but I've definitely like had partners that are more confrontational, and it actually ended up like helping me because like if you like talk about it, it's like yeah, it's out in the open. It's like, well, if I don't agree, at least I know that you feel that way. And like I can maybe like have like I feel like I learned that a lot freshman year, and then I learned it again sophomore year that like you're gonna have to like talk about things, even if it's uncomfortable and like you don't want to, like, eventually, like it does make it better. It's not healthy to like keep it in, and then you're like just fighting all the time. I totally agree. What do you what do you think, Hoy? I mean, I think I definitely like learned that also freshman year. Like, I'm just naturally a very non-confrontational person. Like, I'm afraid of like all that. So, freshman year, I feel like I just kind of like rolled with the punches and like took some stuff that and then that like kind of rolled on to this year, and I took on like a new role almost for myself. Like, where if I have a problem like with something my partner's doing or another teammate, like bringing it up helps, like you don't have to go about it in like a way that's gonna cause drama or like be mean, just like be like, hey, like I don't appreciate this, or like, hey, like let's not do this, like, or something. Like, right. Being like wanting to fix something doesn't have to mean drama. Like, if you want change, I feel like it's so important to bring it up because like 99% of the time that person's gonna like take it and like really appreciate that you said something.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, I completely agree. And but that also equivalence now, I'll tell you, once you're out of athletics, it makes it so much easier in the real world because you're learning these people skills, and that's what's so unique. And that's the biggest thing about being an athlete, is it teaches you all these real world skills, it teaches you how to communicate with people, all the soft skills that was really, really important once you're done with school. And you guys definitely got a firsthand taste of that, your freshman year, sophomore year, and all the way through. I'm very proud of you too. You navigated it. Thank you. Thank you. So we both kind of we've been talking about like you really did have a fun time and a great time your freshman and sophomore year at ASU, but ultimately you did both transfer and you kind of got into a little bit of why you wanted to transfer. But how did you prep for that conversation when you were finally and made your decision and you're like, I'm gonna go to another school, and you can't reach out to schools until you tell your coaches, till you enter the transfer portal. So, how did you approach Kristen and Paul and the coaches and say, like, you know, I'm leaving? Like, what did you say?

SPEAKER_01

I feel like I can take this because I had a bit more like preparation. Like I had been thinking about it for like uh a while and like really, really nervous. Like, whenever I thought about like my whole exit meeting and like telling the coaches, like I would literally get a pit in my stomach. Like that was I was so nervous for that because it's just it's not a fun conversation. I knew they weren't gonna be happy with me, like understandably so. Like, you never want your like your once player to leave.

SPEAKER_00

You don't want your once player to transfer. I mean, you don't any you don't want any player to transfer, but you're you guys both were very pivotal players for uh a very starting to pivotal player on the team.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, so that I was just like nervous about the reaction and everything, and like I had a whole thing in my head that I like wanted to say, and actually um I like went to class in the morning and then I met Ava at like Starbucks or something, and we like sat for a second and just like I kind of talked through like what I was gonna say. Like, I was like, I'm gonna go in, like this is gonna be my tone. Like, cause I didn't want to go in and be like, oh hey, how are you guys? Like, and like be fake and then be like, by the way, like I was like, I want to go in and like be respectful and like set the tone immediately and be like, this is like a conversation that like a more serious conversation. Very much we walked over together, me and Ava, and she like literally like dropped me off at the office. Um, because I was so nervous. And then she went and waited for me, like, I don't know, in the weight room or something. I was I was literally waiting right outside the locker room doors. Yeah. And your meeting was after. So like we were like really nervous because I was like, I feel like I'm like upset them right before you go in there.

SPEAKER_00

Ava did point, did you go in in that meeting wanting to transfer too? I didn't think so. Okay, we'll get back to that.

SPEAKER_01

Keep going, Awil. Yeah. So then I go in and I just like, well, it was a little awkward because it was like just Paul and Abby in there at first. So like the head coach wasn't there for like the first like five minutes. So we were just trying to have like small talk, but I think they could tell just like based off of like how I entered the room, like what was gonna happen. And so it was just like really awkward at first, and then I kind of like I like started off first. Like, I didn't really let any like conversation transpire before I was like, This is a really hard decision for me. Obviously, I started crying like immediately, of course. I was like, I felt so bad, and I was like, I felt really guilty about it, and I was just like, it's just like intimidating being there in front of like well, it's hard.

SPEAKER_00

You don't wanna, it's a it's a tough conversation to have.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah. So then I like start crying and I just like kind of laid out like my reasons and that I'd been thinking about it for a while, and it was a really difficult decision. And I like thanked them for like putting so much effort into me and like like really like just trying to make my experience the best that it could be, and then like they kind of talked for a little bit, and then like all in all, I feel like the meeting was probably like 25-30 minutes. Does that sound right, yeah? And then I just like that's like all right, like bye, yeah. And then I went out and I was still crying, or I wasn't crying when I left, but then as soon as I saw Hawaii, I started crying again, and then she had to go in for her meeting, and I like went off to tell our strength coach um at the weight room.

SPEAKER_00

That's see, that's again soft skills, you're learning to have those hard conversations earlier, but I'm very proud of you. That's tough. And what I like the best about your story is how you went about it in a mature way, right? You went in and said, Okay, this is what I want to do, but you guys leaned on each other as friends, and I think that's so beautiful because a call, you guys are both 19, you're 19 having these conversations, making what seem like and they are like life decisions about your future. And you guys, as friends, were able to support each other, and that's such the beauty of college athletics. So getting into that a little more on the reverse side, Hoy, you went into your meeting after, but in that meeting, you weren't transferring. It wasn't like you guys dropped the bomb back to back and we're like, Yeah, like uh bye. Yeah, you you went in and said, Hey, you're gonna stick around. So, what happened? How did that change?

SPEAKER_01

Like, yes, so I like totally went in and had a normal exit meeting, was fine. It was quick and I was out of there. And then kind of when I had gone home for summer break, like a couple days later, like I was just like totally thinking like a ton, and like honestly, like thinking about going back in like the fall, like I like just really like upset me. And I wanted like just being home for summer, like you learn how much like you like love your familiarity, and like you I love like this area of California, like the Bay Area. And ultimately, I was like, Okay, like my best friend's leaving, a couple of my other best friends are leaving, and like I felt so lost and like had no idea what I wanted to do. And I was like, there was like a period of like two weeks where I was like, No, like I'm just gonna stay, like I'm just thinking about this, like I just need to calm down, but it wasn't going away like each and every day, like it was just getting worse. And I remember I had like getting cold about it, yeah. And I had like so much. Anxiety about like going back in the fall, and like my best friends were gonna be there. And I remember like either calling or texting like Ava and Annalise, and like having that conversation where I was like, I think like I need to do this like for myself. Like, I like as much as yourself is key. Yeah, and I was like, as much as this is gonna like suck and be so hard, like I have to put myself first, like for the first time in my life, like I have to make a decision for myself. And I think like in the next couple of days, I had texted like the head coach and been like, Hey, like, can you talk? And then I ended up calling her and like telling her, and that I remember just like being on that phone call and like hanging up and just like crying because I was like a ball of like stress and anxiety, and like I had like officially done it, yeah. It's just like that weight just lifted off your shoulders. Yeah, it was like such a sense of relief, but then like it like finally like hit me like wow, like I I did it, yeah. And I just remember it was like a crazy surreal feeling.

SPEAKER_00

Well, what's really unique about yours is it really highlights the importance of team culture, like everyone you loved was leaving, and every you know, that team was gone, that culture was gone that you were excited about and what kept you there because like we've obviously discussed the volleyball dates are gonna get really tough. There's gonna be days you want to quit, you hate the sport, it's gonna be expected. So you have to be able to have a culture to lean on and other areas of the university to lean on. I've talked to so many athletes, they're like, Yeah, the only reason I didn't leave my school is because of the school. It wasn't a sport, it wasn't the coaches, it's because of the team and it's because of the school. And so that was gone for you. And so it made sense. It made sense. It's really amazing.

SPEAKER_01

Honestly, like I love that school. I like so happy there. But when it gets to a point of like me like losing a lot of the love I have for the sport of ball by ball and like a lot of confidence in myself, like that's kind of what I knew because I had originally gone there for volleyball, and at it gets to a certain point where like volleyball is not making me happy anymore. And like every day, like waking up and going to practice feels like a chore for me, and like I just am not enjoying it and I have no confidence in myself. Like as a player in person, like that's kind of like what I knew. Like, this needs to happen. Like, I need like a fresh start.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. So now that you guys are both at your fresh start, where you are now, what are you both striving for this year? Taking lessons you've learned from your last two years, this season, moving forward, and honestly, just like life in general.

SPEAKER_01

For me, like right now, since I've like officially started school, um, I've like been saying yes to everything because one of my biggest regrets, like my time at ASU, was like not making more friends like outside of volleyball and like in class, like even with like non-athletes, like I feel like it's so important to have like an outside circle because like your team is like your best friends, and those people like you're together 24-7. Yes, 24-7. But it's also so important to have like your non-athlete friends or like your other sport athlete friends because they still understand like your lifestyle and your schedule, but also like if you need to just like rant about your practice or like something, like it's just like an easy way to do it. So I've like as I've been here, it's only been like two weeks, but I've been saying yes to everything, like signing up for clubs and like mentorship programs and like thank you, like job fairs, and like just doing all the stuff that I had like wish I did at is too. And I feel like that's just came with like me like kind of growing up a little bit and like getting older.

SPEAKER_00

That's amazing, and that's very true. You have to have identity outside your sport. That's so important. If not, you're just gonna be consumed and your teammates and are your best friends, but you're gonna go 24-7. It's a lot of time with personal you need to escape. So then, Ava, hey, Will, I'm gonna direct the question more towards your goals for volleyball specifically, like coming up on the season. You went to UCLA, literally one of if not the best beach volleyball school you could have gone to. What's your mindset going into the season? New team, top talent. What are you thinking?

SPEAKER_01

I'm just like so excited. Like, I can't wait to get started. I'm like really excited to just be like surrounded by like a bunch of athletes that I like know are better than me because I think that like for me personally, that'll just like push me so much harder. And like I hate feeling like comfortable, like in like my position as a volleyball player. And so I feel like at UCLA, like that'll just never be the case because I'm not gonna be the best one there, like by like any means. And so I'm like really excited to like go there and like get pushed every single day because I think it'll make me a lot better. And then like I think like the other girls, like you know that they've put in like a lot of work to become like UCLA athletes because like UCLA doesn't take many transfers, so like basically the entire team like got recruited out of high school and are like going to UCLA, so that means that they've like Yeah, that's true. Yeah, they don't really take many transfers. So most of them have like been committed to UCLA since they were juniors in high school, so they've like really put in the work to like get there. So I'm just like excited to be in that environment and like just push myself to like a whole nother level. Like also the coaching staff, like I'm so excited to work with the coaches that they have there and like kind of just get like a whole new lease on like the whole volleyball like situation.

SPEAKER_00

So, I mean, you guys are both gonna have just the most amazing season. I can't wait to cheer you on. You're gonna have the best time, it's a new chapter in your lives, upperclassmen, new team. I mean, you're gonna kill it. So let's take a moment though to reflect and give some advice to those listening, whether it's a younger athlete aspiring, a current athlete in college that's struggling, or even like some parents and coaches, like what would you say to that 15-year-old girl right now that's maybe a beach volleyball player, maybe just a female athlete that's listening and saying, like, I want to play college one day, I don't know what to do, or I'm stressed, I don't love the sport. Just what do you what advice do you have for that 16-year-old girl?

SPEAKER_01

I would say, like, trust the process, be on your own timeline. Like if I'm thinking back to like my 16-year-old self, like opening up Instagram and like seeing all these girls committing, I remember just like psyching myself out and like just like scaring myself. So just knowing like you're on your own timeline and like your time is coming, like it's not gonna happen overnight. Like, yeah, you gotta reach out, you have to ask questions, like maybe like send a message to an older player that you look up to or someone like your teammates with and just ask for help. Like, there's no harm in asking, and like asking for help is like a sign of strength rather than like a weakness. And take your time and enjoy the process. My answer is like kind of similar, but like I was really stressed out whenever like the recruiting process started, and like I wasn't getting all of this like attention from these like big schools, and I felt like that was like not that like my worth was in it, but like to some extent, like I wanted those coaches to notice me and to like like me and like think that I was good, but I feel like it's like a full circle moment, like whenever I went through the recruiting process again when I was in the transfer portal, like a lot of the like coaches that I thought like walked on water and stuff, like were interested in me. So that was like gratifying, but also at the same time, like I still had to wake up and like go to the gym and lift and I still had to go practice. Like it didn't like change what I had to do just because like all of a sudden these coaches like suddenly thought that I was like good enough to be on their team. So I feel like my one like big piece of his of advice is like if you like the grind and you enjoy the journey, then like it shouldn't really matter like what other like outside coaches or players like have to say about you. Like if you know that like you're trying your best and you're like putting in the work, yeah, then like there's like that should be enough for me. You know what I mean? Like it should be like I should be doing it to please instead of pleasing like outside. Yeah, yeah. And I like didn't learn that until I like literally had to go through the whole process again and like yeah, get like gratification from the other coaches to be like, wait, I actually don't need that, like I'm still like doing it for myself, you know?

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, and it's almost like not every day you're gonna be perfect, you're gonna have a bad day. It's gonna be rough. And um, what advice would you have to the parents of a kid right now that's going through recruitment or struggling? Like, what would you want? What do you think parents don't understand and should know better?

SPEAKER_01

I feel like parents like they want to help so bad that like sometimes it can like feel like there's a lot coming at you, like as a student that's like trying to get recruited, and like sometimes like too much from the parents can be like overwhelming, even if like they want to help and stuff. So maybe like finding a middle ground of like, well, like if they want to sit on every call, then like maybe like find a medium and be like, well, I'll just like we can make sure to have like a sit-down conversation afterwards, and like I can talk about it with you or something, or just like finding kind of like a middle area. Cause I know a lot of times for me, like I'll like I get off a call with like a coach and like my parents know that they just like it was an intense conversation, and all of a sudden I have to go and like relay it to them, and then it's like they're asking me overwhelming, very overwhelming. So I would say like just acknowledge that that it's like a super stressful time and that maybe like the way that you approach it, like you just are gonna have to tailor it. Just be supportive.

SPEAKER_00

Like, maybe don't they're not they're already getting athletes already getting so much advice, there's already so much pressure they're putting on themselves. Like sometimes the best thing you can do is stay out of the way and just love them and support them, give them little nudges when you see they need it. But um, what about an athlete, a parent of an athlete who's currently playing? Like someone not going through recruitment, but maybe currently in college hoy. Like, what would you say to that who that's their they're in season and they're calling you just like, oh my god.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, I would say like the same thing, like take the pressure off them, like tell them, like, I'm here to be like a listening ear, like I'm not gonna give you any advice. Like, there's times where I just want to like call my mom or dad and just like dump words on them and just like rant about every little thing. And I'm like, mom, like I don't need you to say anything, like I just need you to listen right now. Yeah, like I had a really hard day, like, or I just had a really bad game or a really bad practice, and all I need to do is just like word vomit to my mom, and like I'd say, I don't know, like parents know your chest. Yeah, parents know their kids best, like you know what they need. Kind of just let them come to you first and like say what they need, and then go based off of that. Like, if they need advice, you can be, you know, give them that advice, but if they just need to like rant, then just like listen.

SPEAKER_00

I love that. And last question around like advice to people listening, coaches. What is one thing you wish coaches understood better?

SPEAKER_01

I think one thing that like I've learned now, like switching schools that like my new coaches have been talking about is like they uh like take coaching different, like per person, if that makes sense. So like they're super aware, like they have us take like a personality test and they like like kind of cater their style. Yeah, like towards because like I'd say like different people on a team, there's if there's 20 girls, you're gonna have 20 like really different girls. Like, there's we're just like completely like different personalities, we respond better to different types of things, like when being talked at, like that type of thing. So I just personally feel like if coaches like would take time to like really get to know their players and get to know, like, well, maybe like yelling at this person isn't gonna work, but like I can yell at her, or like like she's not up in front of everybody, but like I can count on her to like get on people and like not kind of making this like blanket statement for like everybody and just expecting that like it's gonna be received the same by each girl when like we're all raised differently, we all have different personalities, we all like respond differently to different situations.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, I always said like you know, some coaches sometimes need to recognize what the player's there for. Like, some pair, some people, hoi, you just talked about how you can call your mom and talk to her. So when you're on the court, you just are focused on volleyball. You're wanting to have fun and you're like, give me my volleyball feedback, don't parent me. I have a parent, you know, I don't need this extra support. But other girls, like other players, guys or girls want that. They're like, no, help me talk, let me talk about my life, let me like get it all out there, and then volleyball too, or like your sport too. And that's something that needs to be recognized a little more often. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Hoy, what would you say is your piece of advice going off of that? Um, that you wish more coaches understood, honestly.

SPEAKER_01

I think like Ava was like so spot on. Like, honestly, like, yeah, you have 20 girls on a team, that's 20 different people, 20 different personalities. Like, I am someone who like doesn't need to be yelled at to like be told I'm doing something wrong. Like, I just need to be told. Yeah. And also, I would say, like, most coaches are like good at like recognizing that we're human, but at the same time, like, we're gonna have bad days, we're not perfect. Like, there's days I'm gonna wake up, I'm gonna be tired, I'm gonna be frumpy. That's just what happens when you have like 20 year olds on a team. Like, there's gonna be different days where everybody's feeling different. So, like recognizing not every single day is gonna be like perfect and 100% effort, but like we're always gonna give 100% of what we have that day.

SPEAKER_00

I love it. I like that. That's good advice. Okay, last part of it, we're just gonna get into some TMIs. So these are just like quick answer questions, random, like some personal, some all over. First, starting out with but just very strong. Like, what's your go-to hype song? What is getting what are you listening to before your game when it's getting ready?

SPEAKER_01

Mine is definitely try everything from Zootopia. That is like my number one song. I listened to that like all all of spring, probably a lot of fall, too. This is like a sophomore year discovery. It is such an uplifting song, it has a great message, great tune. We would play it in the car on the way to tournaments, 100%. Try everything. I love you so much. Hoy, what's yours? Well, on that note, probably keep your head up by Andy Gramer. That was also classic this year. We would play we would play that in the vans on the way to our games, but like on more like a hype song note, probably like timeless by the weekend.

SPEAKER_00

I love okay, okay, okay. Um, what is your dream NIL collab? What is some brand you just love to work with? Be bold. Viore. I knew it. I want Viore so bad. Nike, Nike. Okay, Nike and Viore. If you're listening, give them both NIL deals. Big one. Yes. Okay, a bug quote or mantra that just keeps you grounded that you can tell yourself and the game gets crazy.

SPEAKER_01

Mine is just like my go-to whenever like a game is getting tight or like super stressful, like slowing it down. Like, I've been told so many times like that the game is in my control, but it doesn't always feel like that. But like it's so true, like the game is in your control. Like, there's no ticking time clock that's like, oh, like you can't do this or this. But what I like to do is like go grab the line, shake off the sand, and like just like compose myself and like really reset, or just like go to the other court and shag a ball and roll roll it to the other side. So really slowing down the game and like clearing your brain in those like extra five seconds that you need, like has helped me so much. I love it. What's yours? Mine is like a before game ritual, kind of. Um, but like whenever we would circle up to do like breathing or like some sort of like meditation or whatever, like we always get to like close our eyes and stuff. So like sometimes I can't like get thoughts together to like be like I would want to like pray, but I can't like string thoughts together. So I have like my favorite verse that I'll literally just like repeat over and over again in my head, and it like helps me like calm down. And this was like all throughout freshman and sophomore year. So then it like became like almost like a mantra, but like I wouldn't say I would do that during games, but like I would always do it beforehand because it would kind of help just like the same words like rinsing over me, and like it would help like really like chill me out.

SPEAKER_00

So beautiful. I love that's so beautiful. I love that. Going on a separate note, have you guys ever secretly cried under your glasses during a practice per game? I know you have.

SPEAKER_01

I know you have probably like probably like twice as many times a week. Yeah. Oh my gosh, like at a minimum, especially spring semester, probably three times a week. Yeah, like actually there'll be a lot, like especially for me. If it was like a drill about like bump setting or like out of system setting, that was for sure some tears under the glasses during those.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, make sure you're make sure you're parallel, make sure you're facing them. Okay, yeah. What's like the craziest DM or just like thing that's happened to you since becoming a college athlete? Like, you ever had someone that just reached out or someone like a crazy fan or anything that happened?

SPEAKER_01

Oh, I do have one. Whenever this past year, like my sophomore year, we came back to Texas and we played at UT, which is like 30 minutes from my hometown. And this like younger girl came like the first day and like DM'd me and just said, like, oh my gosh, like you're so good. I loved watching you play. And I was like, Oh, that's so sweet, whatever. Like, responded, thank you so much. And then the next it was like a two-day tournament. The next day I came back, didn't hear anything from her, but I had this like clip on my bag, and it was like this like handmade little like bumblebee clip, and it like had her like Instagram at and it said like be happy, and it was like this whole little like arts and crafts thing, and she had like found my backpack under our tent. Okay, I don't know how you knew it was my um, yeah. That was like the craziest thing that happened to me.

SPEAKER_00

That's actually that's like it's sweet, it's flattery, but at the same time, you're like privacy a little bit odd. How did you get that? How did you get there? Last question that I have for you guys, a couple more. If you could switch sports for a day, what's what are you trying?

SPEAKER_01

Tennis. I would love to do soccer.

SPEAKER_00

Okay, I could see that for both of you. I can see that for both of you. Um, and then any last pieces, like words of advice or questions, or just like a funny memory or anything you want to reflect on. What's like one of the most embarrassing moments that happened in your over your two, whether it's in the gym, outside of the gym, like in team, you know, the athlete meals, like with other sports or anything, like any super embarrassing moments?

SPEAKER_01

Um, I have one from I think you saw for your fall. We were doing um back squat to bench, and I I was being a little bit heavy on the weight, and then I missed the bench, and then and then I ended up feeling my squat, and I had to get like rescued. Do you remember that? That was always awkward.

SPEAKER_00

Okay, last question for you guys today is in the end of all of it, what does being committed while you are off duty as an athlete mean to you?

SPEAKER_01

Like that sentence to me just means like like loving the grind that it is, because it's like it is really hard a lot of the time. But like if you enjoy what you're doing and like you're doing it with like a purpose, then like it doesn't make it doesn't make it feel like work, like it just kind of like it's more of like a privilege. It makes it feel like a privilege instead of like a job. Cause sometimes it can really feel like a job whenever you're like putting in that many hours a week. But I feel like whenever you love what you're doing and you love like the teammates around you, then like I think that makes it worth it. I agree. Um for me, like whenever it's like a day when it's like been really hard, or like I'm like so tired. I like think back to myself when I was like probably like a little eight-year-old girl and like had like this dream of like being like a college volleyball player, playing something in college, like just doing it for like my younger self and like all those hard times like I pushed through, like what's another practice, or like what's another day, and like also like what Ava said, like having a sense of like gratitude. Like, there's people that would give anything to be in like my position. So carrying that with me to like, I don't know, all like play for like the women in sports community, or like just for that, like my younger self is like super important and like really humbling and like nice, like remind yourself of sometimes.

SPEAKER_00

That's really pretty. I love both of those answers. I love both of you. I'm so happy we brought you both on the show today. This is so fun to kind of recap and hopefully those listening gotta hear some insights of what it was like and memories we had and enjoyed those, and also some tips and tricks to help them along their athletic journey. So thank you both so much for taking the time. Ava, in between your classes and walking with the backpack on, I think that was a good raw edition. So thank you both for coming today. And um, if anyone wanted to reach out to you, what's your Instagram in a way they could maybe follow and support your you guys this season? Mine is at Ava Hoy, just my first and last name. Ava is A V A, and then Hoy is H A. A-G-A-U-G-H-Y. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

And then mine is just at Ava.williamson with two N's.

SPEAKER_00

Well, thank you both so much, and um, good luck this season. I'm so excited to cheer you on, you're gonna kill it.

SPEAKER_01

A course.