Avoli Committed Athlete: Kentucky Exposure Tour

This article is sponsored by Avoli   Prep Dig has teamed up with Avoli, the volleyball brand built specifically for female athletes, to present Committed — a spotlight series celebrating standout athletes at each 2025 Prep Dig Showcase. These athletes are chosen for their leadership, sportsmanship, and relentless work ethic — the same values Avoli champions on and off the court. Each featured athlete receives exclusive Avoli gear in addition to their own spotlight article. Learn more about Avoli and explore their performance-driven footwear at <a href="http://avoli.com/">avoli.com</a>.   One could have vouched for a number of athletes at Prep Dig Kentucky Exposure Tour for this nomination. However, Saint Ursula (Cincinnati) sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='510903' first='Lowe' last='Long'] stood out in every way in this event with a great combination of leadership, sportsmanship, communication and work ethic. Long (pictured) will once again play for the top [program_tooltip program_id='430852' first='Tri-State' last='Elite'] 16 Blue team this spring and hopes to put up big numbers for the Bulldogs these next two years. Long helped St. Ursula go 17-9 and make it to the Ohio Division I region championship game.   Work Ethic   Long strives to be even keel when she is on the court. Both her high school and club teams are loaded so she does not have to worry about carrying a huge load. She also stayed on the same tangent throughout the event.   "I just try to stay calm during the whole time and stay humble, celebrate every point you get and that your teammates get," Long said. "Don't let your emotions get the best of you. You have to just shake it off and move on."   A strong work ethic is a must to make it on the St. Ursula and [program_tooltip program_id='430852' first='Tri-State' last='Elite'] Blue teams. Long more than takes that seriously and did so at the event.   "You have to use every chance that you get to play the sport," Long said. "You just stay aggressive the whole time. It's practice. If you're going to hit it out, at least hit it out aggressively."   Leadership   Long had a bunch of good mentors during the high school and club seasons such as [player_tooltip player_id='204230' first='Emma' last='Frietch']. She may come across as reserved at first, but does open up as she gets to know people. Long said she loved meeting players from across Kentucky and Ohio in the event.   St. Ursula won the Ohio Division II state championship her freshman year. Lowe watched the attitude and body language of players on that team such as Molly Creech. She took a lot of those lessons and applied them at the event. She encouraged the other players throughout the two hours.   "It depends on the situation. I will get vocal when I need to," Long said. "I've done it before in a couple of games, but at the same, I would let the libero, [player_tooltip player_id='204230' first='Emma' last='Frietch'] do some stuff, take their advice and let them take my advice."   Sportsmanship   It can be a tough balance. Players want to take their reps, but have to let others get some in. Long handled it well.   She took the opportunity to take some solid swings in addition to working on improving her passing and serve reception. Long said it starts with everyone communicating on openings on the other side as to which seams to hit, then staying low and popping balls up. Long said the goal is to put the setter in the right position for various plays to happen and making sure the first touches are high enough. If running a tempo play, Long said it's a matter of running the right speed.   Long has been described as on-target among other adjectives when she hits the ball on the top of her peak. Long agreed ball control on hits is also important, knowing strengths and weaknesses of opponents.   "I feel really fired up when you get that hit you want. Your approach is right," Long said. "The timing, the set and all of it is relieving. It's like putting a puzzle piece together. You've finally found that one piece to fit. You celebrate with your team and everything."   Playing on top level teams, adjusting   St. Ursula fell behind 2-0 against Anthony Wayne in that state championship game, but pulled off the reverse sweep to take the crown. Long said she noticed some big things from her teammates in that game.   "Just focus on the game and don't get in your head," Long said. "I tend to not get in my head. I'm very grateful for that because I know it can be hard sometimes. It's about seeing simple stuff you can change and make a big adjustment."   Long noted adjustments can be done a number of ways. Long put her hands and arms in different places trying to block balls and tried to send balls to different balls in drills going against taller blockers.   Evaluations from Coaches    The number one thing I noticed about Lowe is her work ethic and is so coachable. She is always ready for practice and soaks up all the feedback she is given. She is also so selfless. She is always willing to do whatever the team needs her to do.   St. Ursula (Cincinnati) Head Coach Gretchen Krumdieck     She's an amazing teammate and positive influence. As a player, she has a terminal arm and steps up in the biggest moments.   [program_tooltip program_id='430852' first='Tri-State' last='Elite'] 16 Blue head coach Kelly Crowley    Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for nearly two years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.

This article is sponsored by Avoli