Ava Calle Proves Height Doesn’t Measure Skill

Ava Calle from Mother McAuley has often heard opinions about being too short for volleyball. At 5-foot-2, the junior libero was even told she couldn’t play college volleyball, especially not at the Division I level. Her response was to commit to Youngstown State before the season began, silencing critics.

“I hear it all the time—I’m too short,” Calle said. “I just play over it. I don’t care about height. It’s second nature to hear that stuff at this point. Sometimes, I’m out there to try to prove people wrong. But I’m just playing for my team and not worrying about what others say. I don’t care about outside validation.”

Calle consistently delivers strong performances in defense for the Mighty Macs. In a recent 25-21, 25-18 GCAC Red win over St. Laurence in Burbank, she recorded eight digs. McAuley (26-3, 5-1) benefited from Keira McQuillan’s 11 kills and Peyton Heatherly’s 27 assists. For the Vikings (20-7, 3-3), Aubrey Martinez and Abby Ambrose each achieved nine kills. Unfortunately, senior libero Leah Romano left the match early with a leg injury.

Despite height concerns, Calle’s toughness compensates. Coach Jen DeJarld praised her as a strong defensive force, one of the best in the state. “She scurries in on short balls and throws her body relentlessly. She’s pretty fearless,” DeJarld noted.

Calle’s aggressive style has been apparent since the start. “I tell myself, ‘Just go,’” she said. “I don’t think about it much. In club, I used to run over chairs. It’s crazy. I’ll do it anytime.”

DeJarld observed a boost in Calle’s confidence over the past year, highlighting her leadership and skill in passing. “She’s taken control of our back row,” DeJarld said. “She’s an all-around stud for us.”

McAuley has achieved 10 consecutive victories since a loss to Benet on September 22 in Lisle. This winning streak includes triumphs over two-time Class 4A champion Marist and Louisville’s Assumption, ranked No. 3 nationally.

“This team has awesome people all around,” Calle said. “I feel like everyone plays for each other, and no one is self-centered. I love the tradition and culture at McAuley.”

Mount Greenwood is home to Calle. Her involvement in volleyball began thanks to her mother, Erin Calle, nee Rochford, who played at Queen of Peace. “She just put me in a lesson and I loved it,” Ava said, recalling how volleyball became her priority.

Even though the libero role often goes unnoticed, Calle relishes it. “I like to get points for my team,” she said. “If I deliver a perfect pass, I know my hitters will kill the ball. Keeping that up leads the team to many victories.”