Bartlesville High School libero/defensive specialist Ava Parham brings a steady presence and a team-first mindset to the Lady Bruins volleyball program, embracing the grind of summer workouts as the group prepares for the upcoming season. As a varsity contributor, Parham values the chemistry that has developed within the Bartlesville roster and believes that connection is a major part of what allows the team to compete at a high level.
“The way we all get along and play together,” Parham said, describing what she loves most about her teammates and the environment around Bartlesville volleyball. That bond carries into summer, where the Lady Bruins are working to build strength, conditioning and confidence before matches begin. “Summer workouts are going good, and I can see our team getting stronger and becoming better as a whole,” she said.
On the floor, Parham’s role as a defensive specialist puts her at the heart of the Bartlesville back row, where she thrives on reading hitters and keeping rallies alive. “I am a DS (defensive specialist) and I love getting to dig really hard hits and chase after shanked balls,” she said. Communication is a key part of her game, and she sees her voice as one of her biggest assets for the Lady Bruins. “My strength would definitely be communicating with my teammates and being loud and I am working on to perfecting my serve receive,” Parham said.
Parham’s development has been shaped by both family and teammates. She credits her father as a major influence on her approach to sports and life. “My dad because he’s always helping others and working hard,” Parham said when asked who inspires her. She also points to a former club teammate as someone who pushed her to grow competitively and personally. “Addie Tenbrook from my old club team was a very good friend of mine and she would always push me to be my best self,” Parham said.
Experience has helped Parham fine-tune her defensive instincts, and she carries specific lessons from last year into this season. “To see the serve earlier and watch the server’s hand,” she said of a key takeaway that now guides her read on the ball and her positioning in the back row.
Volleyball is not Parham’s only athletic outlet. She also plays golf and has been competing on the course since about sixth grade, while her club volleyball background includes time with Tulsa Power before deciding to stay closer to home this year. Looking ahead, Parham hopes to continue her education at a nearby college and pursue a career working with infants. “Hopefully go to a nearby college where I can study babies and hopefully work in the NICU,” she said.
