I’ve been high on this kid for some time, mostly because of her outdoor tournament experience. Used as anything from a three-rotation defender to a full-time libero, Avery’s ability to produce solid footwork and strong legs to drive to the ball on each and every contact make her indispensable in the class of ‘27. I’m more interested in her ability to play outdoor ball, as she’s earned multiple podiums over the last couple of years in various sand tournaments around the country. She’s also not afraid of the weight room—-yet another aspect of her game that colleges won’t have to worry about teaching Miss Bastien.

One of those kids that you just love to cheer for, Avery is a hard-working, high-character kid that knows nothing but the grind when it comes to playing this game of ours. She’ll find a game no matter where—in indoor, where she’s a solid three-rotation DS/L, or in outdoor, where her ball control is consistent and well-trained. She’s also no stranger to the inside of a weight room, and her leg strength has really propelled her to new heights with the area she can cover. In Miss Bastien, you can almost guarantee her ability to work hard, even when no one is watching.

For yet another third-place finish in Circle, look no further than their 16 White squad, who did just that in the 16 Premier Blue division. I don’t talk about DS’s all that much, simply because there are SO many of them. For Avery, though, the column space is worth it. A relentless worker in the gym and the weight room, Miss Bastien also spends a bunch of time on the sand, and finds any and all opportunities to play, lift or simply improve from the day before. Yes, she was a three-rotation DS throughout this weekend, and did an exceptional job in middle back at CZ. To find someone that works harder and with more consistency at the DS position would be difficult at best.