Meet Ava Villela Ava Villela 5'10" | OH/DS/L California | 2027 State CA @absolutevolleyball

OH, RS, DS • 2027
California High School @calhighvolley
Absolute VBC @absolutevolleyball

Gamer
This season I was named MVP for my high school team. I am proud of the leadership, improvement, and growth that I showed and how that contributed to our success.

Subscriber
I subscribe to PrepDig to stay connected to the volleyball world and because the platform is creating exposure opportunities for the next generation of athletes.

Ava’s Gratitude
I am grateful for the chance to travel and compete in different regions of the country and for my parents who have stood beside me through every win and every challenge.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Mentally strong and physically tough, Ava Villela Ava Villela 5'10" | OH/DS/L California | 2027 State CA brings grit and resilience to every match. She takes pride in her competitive edge, always ready to battle and never willing to give up. Determined to become a more complete player, Ava has been working hard on her defense so she can be trusted in any rotation or position on the court. She described herself as both mentally and physically tough, and summed up her mindset with, “I don’t give up. I come ready to play.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Ava Villela Ava Villela 5'10" | OH/DS/L California | 2027 State CA brings consistency, communication, and calm competitiveness to every role she plays. As an outside, right-side, and defensive option for California High School, she’s been intentional about developing new layers to her game, specifically expanding her shot selection with more line and cut shots. That added versatility gives her more options to score and puts pressure on opposing defenses. Her approach to high-pressure moments is grounded in strategy and self-awareness. She’s always thinking ahead, looking for the next adjustment, and using self-talk to stay composed and in control.

Beyond the skill work, Ava is the kind of teammate who keeps a team connected. Whether she’s on the court or supporting from the sidelines, she brings positivity and honesty to every interaction. Her teammates describe her as funny, grounded, and encouraging, someone who knows how to lighten the moment without losing focus. She creates a space where others can reset quickly and move forward together. Off the court, she loves to cook and bake for her family, another example of how she brings people together with care and thoughtfulness. Ava competes with purpose, lifts others up, and brings the kind of steady presence that helps teams thrive. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Ava was dominant on the pin. And it is no surprise that her secondary position is DS/L because her serve receive was spot on. I was very impressed with her ability to pass to attack, and she was relentless on both defense and offense. Ava was a powerhouse hitter who never let up and found ways to hit around the block. She recorded kill after kill and was nearly unstoppable. She was one of my favorite players to emerge from the showcase, and she brought an incredible amount of energy and consistency to the court.

Ava Villela Ava Villela 5'10" | OH/DS/L California | 2027 State CA recently helped lead her team to a first-place finish at the Winter Classic, a testament to her team’s ability to compete at a high level. Despite facing challenges, such as three key players being out due to illness, Ava’s team displayed resilience by stepping into unfamiliar positions and working together to overcome the adversity.

As her season progresses, Ava is focusing on improving her right-side hits and blocking, aiming to enhance her overall versatility and skill set.

One thing Ava wants college coaches to know about her is her deep passion for volleyball and her commitment to developing a high volleyball IQ. She is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to any program that values hard work and dedication. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Ava Villela Ava Villela 5'10" | OH/DS/L California | 2027 State CA ‘s ability to time her swings perfectly makes her a dominant force on the outside. Her powerful hits, combined with a keen understanding of block positioning, allow her to exploit openings in the defense. Villela’s versatility ensures she can adjust seamlessly to even the most challenging sets. Each time I’ve watched her play, I continue to be impressed by her steady improvements. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Ava is the real deal as a pin hitter! I got to watch her play both outside and right side, and she was just as aggressive and powerful in each spot. Her approach is solid, and she catches the ball really high, getting a huge snap on it and smashing it down hard. A lot of her attacks were just too strong to stop, earning her tons of kills in the team competitions. On defense, she’s got quick feet, and her swing is all power. Ava’s totally ready to play fast-paced, high-level volleyball at the next level! –Kantessa @lasvegasvbanalyst @prepdignv

Ava Villela has all the makings of a breakout star. Strong on the outside, Ava impressed during both her high school and club seasons, showcasing her ability to dominate on offense and contribute significantly on defense. Her all-around athleticism and readiness to deliver at the net make her an exciting prospect for any program. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Ava Villela, Top Performing Outside at the NorCal PrepDig Top250 Showcase, held on December 7, 2024, at  Rage Volleyball Club  in Ripon, CA. Tournament Director: Bryant Tran. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Ava is a high-flying outside hitter known for her determination and intensity on the court. Every time she’s set, there’s a sense of anticipation. Her offensive versatility and ability to mix up her shots—whether it’s a hard-driven ball down the line, a sharp cross-court hit, or a perfectly placed tip—make her a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Ava thrives in pressure-filled situations. She embraces the challenge of being the go-to player and handles expectations with poise. Her ability to stay calm and deliver during critical moments makes her a standout prospect for college volleyball. When asked about handling pressure, Ava shared, “I don’t let the pressure get to me and use the pressure as a way to help me play better. I love taking the last shot.”

Instagram: @avavb_2027
— Michelle Bamford, PrepDig