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RPN x Ava Sansom Interview (New Cumberland, PA)

 


Name: Ava Sansom

Hometown: New Cumberland, Pennsylvania

Height: 6-2

Position: Middle Blocker/Opposite Hitter (RS)

High School: Bishop McDevitt

Graduation Class: 2026

GPA: 3.9

Club: Fusion VBC

Status: Uncommitted

HARRISBURG, PA -- Ava Sansom is a 6-foot-2 Middle and Opposite Hitter from New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. She's currently a junior at Bishop McDevitt High School, which she enrolled in August 2024 spending the first two years of Cedar Cliff, and plays for Fusion Volleyball Club on the travel circuit. Sansom is also the younger sister of former RPN and CC athlete, Kathryn Sansom, who now plays at Lebanon Valley College.

RPN Director, Tyreese Smith, caught up with Sansom recently to discuss a deep dive into her career, the importance of support and looking ahead to the future.

Ava Sansom Interview
Tyreese Smith: “Hi Ava, how’s everything going? Glad you’re finally here as your agent and I came to a negotiation *laughs*. All seriousness, let’s get into it. When did you first start playing volleyball? When did it all begin for you.”
Ava Sansom: “Hi Tyreese, thank you for having me. I started playing when I was 12 at the club level. I always loved volleyball out of all the sports that I’ve played. Saint Theresa, I went there before high school, was pretty much my beginning of learning basic skills.”

Tyreese Smith: “Now, can you describe your game from a skill standpoint?”

Ava Sansom: “Yes, I am a right side and middle blocker. I am around 6’1”, 6’2” and have great responsibilities being a starter for both my club and school. After playing multiple positions, I believe I have a good overall court understanding for the game. I have been really lucky to have been given opportunities to play outside hitter as well.”


Tyreese Smith: “How was life growing up on the west shore?”

Ava Sansom: “I loved growing up on the West Shore. I received a great education throughout my early life at Saint Theresa. Many coaches impacted my work ethic. I would not be where I am at, if it weren’t for them.”


Tyreese Smith: “You most recently transferred to Bishop McDevitt after spending two years at Cedar Cliff. To my understanding, you also grow up in the private education system as well. What factors led to you finishing out at private school for your last two years?”

Ava Sansom: “I decided to transfer to McDevitt due to the atmosphere. Catholic school brings me closer to God and an overall better mindset. The academics was a great factor being a challenging learning environment. In the end, I missed the rigor and standards of a Catholic school.”


Tyreese Smith: “Going through your first season at the Dev, how was it by the way?”

Ava Sansom: “I had a great junior year with excellent coaching. My teammates were supportive every step of the way. I improved throughout the season and plan on making a better impact senior year.”

Tyreese Smith: “You’re still at a very early stage of your career, being in your youth career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best athlete you can be?”

Ava Sansom: “I continue to push myself at practices and through workouts. I have been traveling all over the Mid-Atlantic playing great competition, while improving my skills. I am getting all the exposure I have needed through Hudl, live sessions and now the RPN, so thank you for this as well. Strength and conditioning has also been a big part of my volleyball development.”


Tyreese Smith: “We know how much family and your support group means to you. What does the word 'support' mean in your eyes and how important it is to you?”

Ava Sansom: “Support means showing up to games and cheering me on. My family never fails to show up to my games and always pushes me. When I need advice, I have always had great coaches at Fusion and McDevitt to talk with.”


Tyreese Smith: “In our past times, we take a lot of pride when it comes to watching our favorite teams. I know you’ve had a helluva time especially with this recent College Football Playoff. Who are your favorite sports teams and why?”

Ava Sansom: “My favorite sports teams are Penn State and the Dallas Cowboys. My mom and dad have greatly influenced me with State, since they both graduated from there. The Cowboys have always been my top NFL team because of my dad.”


Tyreese Smith: “Which athlete would you say you look up to the most?”

Tyreese Smith: “I look up to Michael Jordan the most because he continued to work hard even after getting cut. Him becoming the greatest basketball player was a true inspiration. His perseverance was beyond the game showing his greatness.”


Tyreese Smith: “What do you believe are the greatest challenges most youth are facing today with the climate we’re in?”

Ava Sansom: “I think the greatest challenge for youth today is being in the right surroundings in order to succeed. Many people in these times do not work for what they want. Social media has set an environment which gives you everything you want, without actually working for anything. It often creates a false sense of reality.


Tyreese Smith: “As you’re now at the age where you’re starting to look for college opportunities, what do you ideally look for in a college?”

Ava Sansom: “Some things I look for in a college is being around welcoming people and modern facilities. Pride is also a huge factor in making me feel welcoming to a school. I additionally look for a solid academic school with a culture of hard work.”


Tyreese Smith: What are your expectations heading into the last chapter?

Ava Sansom: “My expectations are to lead my team. I hope to make a lasting impact bringing in a good mindset. Being able to play many positions, I can contribute to the success of the team. I plan on setting a good example for the girls below me, so our team continues to succeed in the future.”


Tyreese Smith. “Close to wrapping this up, but let’s think through this question. What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next five years? How will people remember the name?”

Ava Sansom: “I plan on graduating from college and my hard work paying off. Maybe become a nurse, and work in a hospital to make a difference. I hope people will remember my name as a driven student-athlete and a good person.”


Tyreese Smith: “Thank you Ava for taking the time to talk with me. Also, the patience as I've been rocking more with the pod lately. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation?”

Ava Sansom: “Push yourself to reach your greatest potential. Thank you so much for having me.”


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Location: Harrisburg, PA, USA

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