H-S Athlete of the Week: Ava Livingood, Uniontown
NAME: Ava Livingood
GRADE: Senior
SCHOOL: Uniontown
SPORT: Volleyball
LIVINGOOD’S WEEK: The middle hitter for the Red Raiders’ volleyball team was instrumental in victories over Indiana and Laurel Highlands.
In a 3-2 win over the Little Indians in a section match, Livingood had nine kills, two aces and two blocks.
Uniontown won the first two sets by scores of 27-25 and 25-23 before the Little Indians sent the match into the fifth set with victories of 25-21 and 25-22.
The Red Raiders edged Indiana, 15-13, in the final set for a huge triumph in front of a home crowd at A.J. Everhart Memorial Gymnasium on the campus of Uniontown Area High School.
Uniontown wasn’t able to clinch a berth in the Class 5A playoffs, but Livingood was pleased with the Red Raiders’ overall season, which included a record of 9-9.
“We knew it was going to be tough going up in classification from 4A, but once we got a feel for the new teams, we started to earn wins,” Livingood said. “We beat Indiana twice in five sets, who was a playoff team, and avenged an earlier loss to Connellsville. We were in two competitive matches with Kiski Area and Penn-Trafford. I was very satisfied with our record, and even though I won’t be on the team next year, I look forward to watching them play.”
NEW COACH: Uniontown has seen plenty of coaching changes the last five years, but Livingood felt fortunate to work with Paulina Nottingham the last two seasons.
Livingood has played under Nottingham during club volleyball season, and will be helping her in coaching younger players.
“Coach has been awesome,” Livingood said. “She is very intense and pushed us hard, but our team responded well to her passion. I got much stronger in the front row. I played up last year for her club team, and I am going to be helping her coach the 15-and-16-year olds this season.”
BEATING A RIVAL: Laurel Highlands volleyball has given Uniontown trouble in recent history, but Livingood and her teammates were able to earn two sweeps over the Mustangs this year.
“The matches with LH have always been competitive, but it was great to get over the hump this year and beat them twice in decisive fashion,” Livingood said. “It’s always a good match with LH. It is our cross-town rival, so it’s a great time.”
THE FUTURE: Livingood would like to play volleyball at the next level, as she envisions competing for a Division III school to keep up with her academic schedule. She has a goal of becoming a physician’s assistant and will be studying biology and health sciences.