Following a career year – capped by an appearance at the UIL state volleyball tournament, Prosper outside hitter/middle blocker Ayden Ames was named 2023-24 Gatorade Texas Volleyball Player Of The Year on Monday. Ames graduated from Prosper early (in December) and is an early enrollment with the University of Texas in Austin, where she signed her letter on intent in November.
The latest award is just one of many for the 6-4 Ames this past season.
Ames helped the Eagles to a 37-10 record this season with a trip to the state semifinals – the program’s first since 2017. Prosper took 50-1 Spring Grand Oaks to the brink, falling in five sets. She finished with 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.
Ames was also named MaxPreps and American Volleyball Coaches Association First Team All-American, along with GM Sports Media and Dallas Morning News Player of the Year. She was an all-state selection as well as Texas Volleyball Insider and Prep Dig Volleyball Player of the Year. She was 5-6A Co-MVP and Big Daddy Media All State Defensive MVP. Ames played for the United States women’s under-19 national team during its gold-medal performance at the FIVB World Championships in August.
Off the court, 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. She also donates her time as a tutor and mentor, serves the community and finished high school with a 3.86 GPA.
