Ava Bianchini, all-around volleyball player, is taking charge of the court this year as captain of the volleyball team. The overwhelming success of last volleyball season has left her eager for this one. 

As a captain for the 2023 season, Bianchini strives to be a leader no matter where she is. 

“I want to help the team grow as a family, and I want to be able to lead them well on and off the court,” said Bianchini. “I want everyone to feel like they have a friend in me, and be able to talk to me whenever they need to.” 

For Bianchini, volleyball is life. 

As soon as Woodland’s volleyball season ends, Bianchini is found playing on the court for Pure Passion Volleyball, a travel volleyball team. Not even her summers are spent away from the game she loves. Bianchini helped assemble a Woodland volleyball summer league team alongside Lindsay Koliani, another captain of the volleyball team for the 2023 season. The team would play scrimmage games against other Connecticut high schools hosted by CT Juniors Volleyball Club. This helped the girls practice and prepare for the upcoming Woodland volleyball season. 

As a person always looking to improve and do her best, Bianchini is an effective all-around player. She can hit strong while in the front row, pass accurately to teammates, and have consistent serves. Bianchini swears by the fact that drinking a pregame Sprite gets her ready to dominate the competition.

After a Naugatuck Valley League championship victory and a trip to the state final, Bianchini is ready to take on this season with the same winning attitude. Last season’s team chemistry gave her confidence to step up as a leader and she is ready to take on the challenge.