By Spencer DuPuis
LoCoSports Staff Writer
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*Update (11/17/2015): Dominion High School senior Julia Avoletta has officially signed her National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at West Virginia University.
Sterling (October 7, 2015) — Dominion High School senior Julia Avoletta has made a commitment to play volleyball at West Virginia University starting in the 2016-2017 school year.
“It feels great to be committed,” the 6-foot-2 Avoletta said. “Choosing a college is a difficult decision and when adding the recruiting process, it is even tougher. Having this decision behind me — when most seniors are just starting the process — feels great. It also feels great knowing I have the opportunity to go to a school that allows me to focus on my future career and allows me to continue to pursue my passion for volleyball.”
In March 2015, Reed Sunahara was hired as the third head coach of the WVU volleyball program. Prior to WVU, Sunahara was the head coach of the University of Buffalo volleyball program.
“I am very excited because WVU hired a new coaching staff this past spring including coach Reed Sunahara,” Avoletta said. “He is a great coach with a lot of experience and a history of winning programs. I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn from him and his assistant coaches to further develop my skills.”
Under Sunahara’s direction, the Division I Mountaineers are currently sitting at 5-10.
“I have had experience in almost every position in volleyball, so I feel that I can contribute to the team wherever they might need me,” Avoletta said. “I also have a really positive attitude that can energize my team even during crucial points in a match.”
Avoletta — who plays her club volleyball for NVVA Ice Elite — mentioned that she was looking for two things in a school: a good education and a very competitive volleyball program.
“I want to major in a health-related field, and WVU’s Health and Sciences Department is a top program, so I know I will be getting a good education,” the setter said. “In addition, WVU also offers a competitive volleyball program. When I went for a visit, the coaches and teams were very welcoming, and the campus was beautiful. It felt like the college experience I was looking for.”
Avoletta noted that her dad got her started playing when he encouraged her to try out in sixth grade.
“Ever since my first season in middle school, I fell in love with the sport,” Avoletta said. “I found that I wanted to do nothing other than play. Ever since then, I’ve been working hard trying to be better every time I get the chance to play and my passion for volleyball has only grown.”
Along with Avoletta’s growth, came the rise of Dominion High School volleyball. The Titans are currently 10-5-1 on the season including a 5-1 record in Conference 21B. They also beat reigning VHSL 4A state champion Loudoun County, 3-2, on September 17.
“I have really high expectations for this high school season,” Avoletta said. “All of my teammates are really great people that work hard for countless hours which is why I think we have a great chance at going far in [the]postseason. I look forward to seeing how our hard work is going to pay off.”
