Heading upstate
Livingood selects PS Behrend to continue volleyball career
Ava Livingood always had aspirations to compete at the collegiate level, but volleyball wasn’t her top choice until her sophomore year in high school.
The Uniontown Area High School senior began to fall in love with the sport two years ago, and after putting together two strong seasons to finish her high school career, Livingood decided it was time to select a school to play for the next four years that also suited her academic needs.
“It has been an amazing experience (playing volleyball at Uniontown), and I wouldn’t want a different future,” Livingood said.
Livingood communicated with Penn State Behrend head coach Jared Marks during the recruiting process before taking a visit to the Erie campus, which provided her with an easy decision.
“Coach Jared Marks was very informative and helpful throughout the whole process,” Livingood said. “He made the recruitment process very easy. As soon as I visited the campus and met the girls, I knew that it was where I wanted to spend the next four years of my career.”
Livingood was impressed with the aesthetics of the campus, the cuisine in the area and the convenient location to the bayfront, which made her decision much easier.
“The campus is absolutely beautiful,” Livingood said. “It has room for you to study outside, drive 10 minutes for some seafood and the bayfront is 15 minutes away.”
Livingood understands the challenge of competing at the next level, and she will work day-in-and-day-out to be the best player she can be.
“I will focus on becoming a smarter, more well-rounded athlete, which has always been a goal for myself, and at the collegiate level, this is very important,” Livingood said. “My goal for myself before attending Behrend is to learn the game even more and become stronger through trips to the gym. Coach (Jared) Marks will train me to be the best athlete possible, and that’s why I chose Behrend.”
Livingood has aspirations to become a physician’s assistant. She will pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology prior to working to earn certification in the physician’s assistant program.
Livingood has plenty of support from her family, and she anticipates many visits despite needing to take a three-hour trip up Interstate 79.
“My family and I have always traveled for spots, so the distance is not a concern,” Livingood said. “We also love the area, so I am sure that my family will be making their way up every weekend. My family is super supportive and excited for this new chapter of my life, and Behrend satisfied all of my mom’s requirements.”
Livingood wanted to thank everyone who assisted her throughout the recruiting process, and added that she would not be where she is in her life without the guidance of her coaches and family.