Calle Proves Critics Wrong in Volleyball

Ava Calle of Mother McAuley faced skepticism regarding her height for playing volleyball. Despite being a 5-foot-2 junior libero, she defied expectations and secured a spot at Youngstown State before the season started.

“I hear it all the time—I’m too short,” Calle stated. “I just play over it. I don’t really care about height. It’s second nature to hear that stuff at this point. Sometimes, I’m out there to try to prove people wrong. But I’m just playing for my team and I’m not really worrying about what other people say. I don’t care about outside validation.”

Calle’s performance on defense continues to be strong for the Mighty Macs. She made eight digs in a recent GCAC Red win against St. Laurence in Burbank. UConn recruit Keira McQuillan contributed 11 kills, while Jayce Prohaska added 10. Peyton Heatherly, bound for Coastal Carolina, recorded 27 assists. Aubrey Martinez and Abby Ambrose both had nine kills for St. Laurence.

Senior libero Leah Romano left the match due to a leg injury and did not return. Coach Jen DeJarld praised Calle’s toughness, describing her as a fearless defender. “Ava is definitely a strong force for us,” DeJarld said. “She’s one of the strongest defenders in the state, I believe. She’s little and she’s quick. She scurries in on short balls and throws her body relentlessly. She’s pretty fearless.”

Calle acknowledged her aggression. “I tell myself, ‘Just go,’’’ she said. “I don’t know… I don’t think about it that much. In club, I used to run over the chairs. It’s crazy. I’ll do it any time.” DeJarld noticed an increase in Calle’s confidence from her sophomore year. “She has taken control of our back row with her leadership and her talking, and she’s one of our best passers,” DeJarld stated. “She’s kind of an all-around stud for us.”

Mother McAuley has won 10 consecutive matches since a loss to Benet on Sept. 22. The victories include wins over two-time Class 4A champion Marist and Louisville’s Assumption, ranked No. 3 nationally.

Calle values her team, stating, “This team has awesome people all around. I feel like all around everyone plays for each other and no one is self-centered. I love the whole tradition and culture at McAuley. I love everybody around us.” Her volleyball journey began with guidance from her mother, Erin Calle, who played at Queen of Peace.

Ava tried basketball and gymnastics in grade school but focused on volleyball. “Volleyball is such a big part of my life,” she said. “My life would be so different without it.” Although liberos often go unnoticed, Calle enjoys the role. “I like to get points for my team,” she said. “If I can give a perfect pass, I know my hitters will kill the ball. If I can keep doing that over and over again, that would lead my team to victory a lot.”

Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.