University of Tennessee Athletics
Lady Vols Announce Addition of Transfer Ava Bell
December 19, 2018 | Volleyball
Accomplished middle blocker set to join Tennessee this spring
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee volleyball head coach Eve Rackham announced the addition of transfer Ava Bell on Wednesday.
After spending one season at North Carolina, Bell comes to Knoxville with three years of eligibility remaining. The middle blocker will join the team this spring after playing in every match this season for the Tar Heels.
"We are looking forward to Ava joining us this spring and continuing her career at Tennessee," Coach Rackham said. "I feel very fortunate she chose us, and believe she will make a great impact in our program. She is joining a great freshman class, along with a team that has set high expectations for themselves."
Bell was a key piece to the North Carolina team in 2018, playing in 91 sets during her freshman campaign. She finished first on the team in total blocks with 90, including 12 solo blocks. Bell placed second on the team in hitting percentage at a .259 clip while finishing the season with 210 kills (2.31 kills/set), which both ranked third on the team.
She completed her rookie season with eight double-digit kill matches. This included matches against Louisville, where she finished with 20 kills and no errors (.571 hit%) to go along with five blocks, and NC State, where she recorded her first collegiate double-double with 12 kills and 12 blocks. In total, Bell ended the season with 10 matches where she had four or more blocks.
"Ava is a hard working player with a great competitive drive," Coach Rackham said. "We are excited about her versatility and what she can bring to our offense. I am looking forward to developing her game further and see her contributing to our success in the SEC and nationally."
Rated the No. 51 recruit in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com coming out of high school, Bell earned Third-Team Under Armour High School All-American status her senior season.
The Austin, Texas native helped Rouse High School to the Bi-District Finals in 2014 and 2015, the Regional Finals in 2016 and the 5A State Finals in 2017. A three-time All-District 19-5A First-Team selection, she was named District Hitter MVP in 2016 while earning all-state honors from three different organizations her junior and senior seasons.
After spending one season at North Carolina, Bell comes to Knoxville with three years of eligibility remaining. The middle blocker will join the team this spring after playing in every match this season for the Tar Heels.
"We are looking forward to Ava joining us this spring and continuing her career at Tennessee," Coach Rackham said. "I feel very fortunate she chose us, and believe she will make a great impact in our program. She is joining a great freshman class, along with a team that has set high expectations for themselves."
Bell was a key piece to the North Carolina team in 2018, playing in 91 sets during her freshman campaign. She finished first on the team in total blocks with 90, including 12 solo blocks. Bell placed second on the team in hitting percentage at a .259 clip while finishing the season with 210 kills (2.31 kills/set), which both ranked third on the team.
She completed her rookie season with eight double-digit kill matches. This included matches against Louisville, where she finished with 20 kills and no errors (.571 hit%) to go along with five blocks, and NC State, where she recorded her first collegiate double-double with 12 kills and 12 blocks. In total, Bell ended the season with 10 matches where she had four or more blocks.
"Ava is a hard working player with a great competitive drive," Coach Rackham said. "We are excited about her versatility and what she can bring to our offense. I am looking forward to developing her game further and see her contributing to our success in the SEC and nationally."
Rated the No. 51 recruit in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com coming out of high school, Bell earned Third-Team Under Armour High School All-American status her senior season.
The Austin, Texas native helped Rouse High School to the Bi-District Finals in 2014 and 2015, the Regional Finals in 2016 and the 5A State Finals in 2017. A three-time All-District 19-5A First-Team selection, she was named District Hitter MVP in 2016 while earning all-state honors from three different organizations her junior and senior seasons.
Players Mentioned
OH/MB
/ VolleyballEverything Orange S3 | Hayden Kubik (Volleyball)
Friday, December 05
VB | Eve Rackham Watt Media Availability (12.2.25)
Tuesday, December 02
VB | Hayden Kubik Media Availability (12.2.25)
Tuesday, December 02
VB | Caroline Kerr Media Availability (12.2.25)
Tuesday, December 02
