NSR Female AOD: Avery Burkholder, a senior 6’1″ volleyball player from Sandra Day O’Conner High in Helotes, Texas

Avery Burkholder carries a 3.3 GPA at Sandra Day O’Conner High in Helotes, Texas.  The 6’1″ hitter/blocker was voted team captain, named to the All-Academic Team and earned Texas All-Area Playoff Team as a junior.  She plans to major in Biology.  Talking to college coaches in her personal essay, Avery reveals an interesting sidelight, “Aside from volleyball I am an Honors student and well involved at my school. I am a national FFA member and heavily involved in the agriculture program at O’Connor. I love welding so much that I competed on the Ag Mechanics team. We were competitive and hard working advancing to State.  At State, I placed 2nd high point out of 114 people, only 5 of which were female.”  She goes on to talk about how her extracurricular activities have influenced her volleyball play.  “Helotes is the largest 4-H chapter in Texas and I have the honor of being president.  Serving as the president, I must plan meetings, attend many community events, find a way to reach out to youth, which is the future of our community. Being involved in 4-H has taught me leadership, responsibility, time management, how to think on my feet and improvise, how to be a good public speaker and how to preside over a meeting and parliamentary procedure. I also enjoy sports fishing, clothing and textiles, animal judging teams, photography and many other activities.  All of those great aspects that I have learned or improved through 4-H and FFA have helped me to improve my volleyball skills as well. it has made me a good leader, who is talkative, competitive, hard working, devoted as well as an intelligent player.”  Her NSR scout is Rich Renevier.  In his scouting report, he says, “Avery Burkholder is an impressive and hardworking volleyball athlete. She is an intelligent player that has a nose for the ball and defensively covers all positions.  As a MB Avery moves side to side well and blocks.  A good outside hitter from either side and has the capability to hit the quick set from wherever she is at.  Off the court Avery keeps busy as president of the largest 4H chapter in Texas and gets involved within the community pursuing her many other interests. Avery’s competitive spirit drives her to demand the best of herself in whatever she does. This young lady is looking for the right collegiate fit and has the work ethic to be successful in college.”