Plunkard opts for Chatham
BUTLER TWP — When it comes to playing volleyball, Ava Plunkard’s goals are basic ones.
“Have fun, get better, be a part of multiple winning seasons,” the Butler senior said.
Her destination for such a career is Chatham University. A two-year starter as a setter/right side hitter for the Golden Tornado, Plunkard recently signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and volleyball career at Chatham. She plans to major in nursing.
Plunkard also considered Saint Vincent, West Liberty and Pitt-Bradford before deciding to join the Cougars.
“I like the coach and the campus is really nice,” she said. “I just felt comfortable there.”
Joseph Bortak has been Chatham’s volleyball coach for five years. He has a 52-62 career record at the school, but the team has improved the past couple of years. The Cougars are 33-20 overall, 19-9 in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play, over the past two seasons.
Plunkard led Butler in assists last fall and was among the team leaders in digs. She said Chatham has interest in her at the same positions she played in high school.
“I feel like I’m joining the program at a good time. I hope I can help their success continue,” she said.
She began playing volleyball in sixth grade and stopped playing basketball after eighth grade to concentrate on volleyball. She played club volleyball for the Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club.
Plunkard was a second team WPIAL and Big 56 Conference All-Star.
“Ava is tall and lanky and has a good skill-set,” Butler coach Meghan Lucas said. “She knows how to control the net ... Her volleyball IQ is very high. She led us in assists and kept the play moving.
“I think she made a wise choice in Chatham. She can be successful there and I wish her the best of luck.”
Lucas said eight Butler graduates played women’s volleyball in college this past season and “it’s always great to add to that list.”
“I was always hoping to get an opportunity to play volleyball in college,” Plunkard said. “I stopped playing basketball to concentrate more on club volleyball and get more time on the court.
“My college prospects were a little iffy my sophomore and junior year, but I felt like I was always in the mix.”
Plunkard said her favorite memory of her high school career was when the Golden Tornado won their own Spikefest tournament at home her junior year.
“I remember how much fun that was,” she said. “I’m looking forward to more things like that.”
