Fulshear’s Ava Underwood Helps Lead Texas A&M to First NCAA Volleyball Championship Victory
In a season defined by grit, talent, and record-setting performances, the Texas A&M Aggies women's volleyball team etched its name into history Sunday night—claiming the program’s first-ever NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship with a commanding 3-0 sweep over Kentucky in Kansas City. For local fans in Katy and Fulshear, the victory felt especially personal, thanks to standout senior libero Ava Underwood, a Fulshear High School graduate who has become a defensive force on the national stage.
Underwood, known for her consistency and defensive prowess, contributed 10 critical digs in the championship match, helping the Aggies shut down the Wildcats in straight sets (26-24, 25-15, 25-18). Her performance earned her a spot on the NCAA All-Tournament Team, a fitting recognition for an athlete whose collegiate journey has been marked by steady leadership and an unyielding work ethic.
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Texas A&M’s title run was nothing short of remarkable. Entering the postseason as the No. 3 seed in the Lincoln Regional, the Aggies swept three of the tournament’s four No. 1 seeds—including Nebraska, Pitt, and finally Kentucky—each boasting a near-flawless record before facing the Maroon & White. In the final match, Texas A&M capitalized on the Wildcats’ 25 total errors and executed a relentless offensive and defensive strategy to secure the win
Underwood, a 5-foot-7 senior, has been a cornerstone of the Aggies' defense throughout her college career. This season alone, she led the team with 356 digs—ranking 11th for a single season in A&M’s rally-scoring era—and averaged 3.24 digs per set. Her consistent performance included 10+ digs in 19 matches and a season-high 21 digs against Ole Miss.
| The Texas A&M Aggies celebrate their historic first NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship victory after sweeping Kentucky in the final match. Among the champions is Fulshear native Ava Underwood, who helped lead the team’s dominant postseason run. (Source: Texas A&M) |
Her accomplishments are even more impressive when placed in the context of her collegiate career. Underwood has appeared in every match over the past three seasons, surpassing 500 career digs during the 2023 season and logging multiple double-digit dig performances. She also contributed to the team’s offense with 92 assists and 15 service aces in 2024.
Before joining Texas A&M, Underwood was already making waves in the Greater Houston volleyball scene. A decorated high school athlete at Fulshear High School, she earned the title of GHVCA Player of the Year and was named a 2021 AVCA High School All-American. She also played club volleyball with Houston Skyline, developing the elite-level skills that now shine on the national stage.
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Under the guidance of head coach Jamie Morrison—who secured his first national title in just his second year with the program—the Aggies made history not only by winning the championship but by sweeping both Final Four matches, a feat achieved by only eight other teams in NCAA women’s volleyball history.
As Texas A&M celebrates a national title, the win feels especially meaningful for families in Fulshear and Katy, where Ava Underwood’s journey began. Watching one of their own help lead the Aggies to their first-ever NCAA volleyball championship is more than exciting—it’s personal. Ava’s path from local high school courts to the biggest stage in college volleyball is a testament to quiet dedication, hard work, and the kind of hometown support that helps dreams grow. Her story is still being written, but for the young athletes watching from the stands back home, she’s already made her mark.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
