Kent State University at Tuscarawas is announcing the signing of a 2024 Barnesville High School senior to their volleyball team.
Ava McFarland recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Golden Eagles.
McFarland was a four-year letterwinner for the Shamrocks volleyball team and was voted team captain for the last three seasons. She is also a four-year member of the BHS girls basketball team. She holds school records in volleyball for Career Assists with 2,229, Most Assists in a single season (627) and the record for Most Assists in a Single Match (50). She led the 'Rocks in serving aces and serving points this season and finished second on the team in digs. Her efforts earned her a spot on the Honorable Mention All-Ohio team in 2023. McFarland earned District 12 Division III First Team honors in 2021 & 2023, was on the Second Team in 2022 and was an Honorable Mention as a freshman in 2020. She was also tabbed as an All-Ohio Valley Conference (3A) player in 2021 & 2023, and All-Mid Ohio Valley Conference performer in 2021 & 2022. She plays club volleyball for Club Gold South.
A four-time Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association Scholar Athlete, McFarland has a 3.7 cumulative GPA. She has earned college credits through the College Credit Plus program and will pursue a Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education at Kent State Tuscarawas.
Community Service wise, she has volunteered for litter pickup in the Village of Barnesville, participated as a greeter in the elementary school drop off program and played games with elderly residents at a local nursing home. Her service earned a student involvement seal for participation in clubs and community service activities.
"We are very excited to add such an athletic player to our offense," said KSU Tuscarawas Head Volleyball Coach Cortney Goodwin. "She will step in right away to the program as she brings a faster tempo to our offensive system and will mesh well with our returning hitters. Not only is she a talented athlete, but she has a great work ethic, attitude and coachability."
Ava McFarland signs her LOI surrounded by her mother Sheila and father Jason. In the back row are
Karie Hunkler (Asst. Volleyball Coach), Kimberly Ogilbee (Head Volleyball Coach) and Brad Hannahs
(Athletic Director). Photo Courtesy of Barnesville High School Athletics