Hokie ClubAva Francis
Plain City, Ohio
Redshirt Freshman
Outside Hitter
1. At what age did you begin playing volleyball and what do you love most about playing?
AF: I started playing in 5th grade and I felt like volleyball came really easy to me. I tried almost every sport growing up and volleyball was by far my favorite just because it was the most fun to me and I definitely fit in the best than any other sport that I played, so I quit everything else and decided to train in only volleyball so I could play at the highest level.
2. Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
AF: I chose Virginia Tech because I love the coaches and team. I could tell that the coaching staff wants to win and takes the program seriously. Also, everyone on the team was very welcoming and I felt like I fit in. The school is amazing and It is a fun place to be.
3. What are you most excited for as you head into your first season as a Hokie?
AF: I am super excited to play volleyball again because I had to sit out my first season due to transferring schools. It was really hard for me to watch all of my friends play and be stuck at home. I am also really excited to get to play in the ACC and be able to prove myself in the college volleyball world.
4. What position do you play and how did you begin playing that position?
AF: I play outside hitter. I used to play setter but my coaches realized that I jumped really high and had raw athletic potential so they had me switch to outside and one of my club coaches pushed me to be an all-around player so that I could separate myself as a player that is more versatile, so most of my career I have been a 6 rotation outside.
5. What is your major and why did you choose it?
AF: My major is criminology. I chose it because it is interesting and I want to be a criminal investigator.
6. Describe yourself in three words
AF: Kind, hardworking, and determined
7. What is your favorite place to eat at in Blacksburg so far?
AF: Roots Natural Kitchen.
8. What does it mean to you to be a Hokie?
AF: To me, being a Hokie means being someone who works hard in all aspects of their life and strives to be better every day, even when it's hard.