From Texas to Croatia and Hungary, senior Ayden Ames traveled the world playing for the USA Volleyball U19 National Training Team.
“The experience was literally like nothing that I’ve ever thought of and nothing that I’ve ever dreamed of before,” Ames said. “Learning new cultures was so fun. I just loved soaking up all the new information.”
Alongside her teammates, Ames, No. 4, went on to win a world title with the U19 team. With Ames playing middle blocker, the USA U19 team claimed a world championship title after an unforgettable comeback in their championship match against Türkiye.
“Volleyball is different overseas because it’s a lot faster and you play the best in the world,” Ames said. “Since you’re learning new information, you have to learn how to apply it to your game faster, so you have to be very coachable and learn new stuff pretty fast.”
New head coach Ashlee McCormick leads Prosper Volleyball this year.
“Ayden is definitely a leader on the court, and she encourages everyone,” McCormick said. “She does what we ask her to do, and it has been awesome coaching her so far.”
Ames committed to the University of Nebraska to play volleyball, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball program boasts five national championship wins as they are currently ranked No. 4 in the NCAA.
“The recruitment process was very long and draining, but so exciting,” Ames said. “It’s a very difficult decision at the end of the day because you’re making a big decision for your future, but Nebraska was kind of always my top choice. So, it was a pretty easy decision.”
More than 92,000 people watched Nebraska sweep Omaha at Memorial Stadium this Wednesday, Aug. 30, breaking the record for the largest crowd at any NCAA volleyball match — as well as the record for the largest recorded crowd at any women’s sporting event in the world.
“I ended up choosing Nebraska because I love the coaches, and I love the environment. And, the volleyball is just so high level,” Ames said. “I just love the fan base because everybody gives their heart and soul for the school.”
Senior teammate Taylor Gardner is committed to play beach volleyball at Houston Christian University, after playing with Ames for the last three years at Prosper High School.
“Her versatility as a player is awesome,” McCormick said. “The way she is able to play at really any position is helpful if we need a big block or anything depending on what is on the other side of the court.”
— Ashlee McCormick
“The idea of being able to make new friends, travel, and get my college degree all at the same time is a great opportunity,” Gardner said. “I am also really excited about working with my new coach and seeing how I can improve my game to another level.”
Ames’ goals for the future include becoming AVCA National Player of the Year, first team All American and winning a national championship, but the journey may mean facing adversity.
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced was making the national team because I was invited last year and I didn’t make the travel roster,” Ames said. “I kind of worked towards making the travel roster this year, and, over the past year, it was just a grind, and I’m just so glad that I overcame it.”
Ames said a top priority of hers is having a coach and teammates who know how to adapt to the team to develop to their full potential.
“I’ve loved the way volleyball has connected me to the school and the friendships I have made through the years,” Gardner said. “Ayden is a great player and a fun person.”
Over the six years Ames has played volleyball, one main lesson has stuck with her throughout her career.
“The big thing I’ve learned has been confidence and volleyball has taught me to not be scared to do something,” Ames said. “You don’t have time to kind of think about it and be scared, and you can’t take time for granted. So, I would just say really take advantage of that.”
