“Ayden is a physical presence that you have to be aware of when she’s front row. Her blocking is outrageous—you can’t get it past her, and you can’t go high hands because she’s technically sound and strong. What impresses me most is her leadership. Ayden is a winner. She puts her team on her shoulders and makes those around her better.”

Stephanie Poole

Head Coach - Allen High head coach Stephanie Poole

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot-4 senior outside and middle hitter led the Eagles to a 37-10 record this season and a berth in the 6A state semifinals, marking the program’s first state tournament appearance since 2017. Ames amassed 575 kills, averaging 4.8 per set, while posting a .399 hitting percentage and .500 kill percentage. She also shined on defense, recording 165 blocks and 481 digs (4.0 per set). A MaxPreps and American Volleyball Coaches Association First Team All-American, she was named the Dallas Morning News Player of the Year and played for the United States women’s under-19 national team during its gold-medal performance at the FIVB World Championships in August.

Academic Achievement

Ames has maintained a 3.86 GPA in the classroom. Taking advantage of NCAA early signing rules, Ames inked a financial-aid agreement that paved the way for her to enroll at the University of Texas, where she will play volleyball. She graduated from high school in December and will attend classes in the spring semester.

Exemplary Character

Ames has volunteered locally collecting and donating clothing, blankets and towels for women’s shelters and pet shelters in addition to participating in the Heal The Bay coastal clean-up in Manhattan Beach, Calif. A member of her school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, she has donated her time as a tutor and mentor for a young boy with brittle bone disease. She has also served her community as a first aid assistant at road races, as part of a literacy outreach program at an elementary school and as a youth volleyball coach at camps and clinics.