Louisiana standout and 4.0 student-athlete Ava West finds her perfect fit in Athens with Coach Tony Baldwin and the Georgia Bulldogs.
The Georgia Bulldogs Continue to Build for 2027
The Georgia Bulldogs have already received a few commitments for the 2027 class. One is Ava West, who is a standout from West Monroe High School in West Monroe, Louisiana. Listed as a catcher, West has the ability to do multiple things as she has in her career. West is filled with excitement and ready to get to Athens in 2027.
Ava is a multipart athlete at West Monroe, as she is in the middle of volleyball season and also a focused student in the classroom, carrying a 4.0 GPA. Still, she took time out to answer a few questions on her commitment.
Feeling at Home in Athens
Coach Tony Baldwin and Georgia have created an environment that makes players feel at home and welcomed. West is no different, as she explained that her decision came down to that very feeling.
“I felt at HOME with the players and coaching staff at Georgia. That was the big deciding factor for me. Coach Tony and his staff have created a great locker room culture and softball family,” she said.
Players such as Ava West have worked their whole young life to have the chance for times like this. Playing at the highest level is a major accomplishment, and the percentage of players that get to do so is very small.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity in hand to be a part of Georgia Softball. It really is a dream come true,” said West. “I’ve always wanted to compete at the highest level and play elite. You get the opportunity to do so every day in the SEC.”
Versatility and Leadership
As mentioned above, Ava is a catcher, but she has done just about everything on the softball field. She said that she has only caught for about a year, as before that she was a two-way player, pitching and playing utility.
“I’ve seriously played everywhere but second base! I absolutely love my new position and role as a field General,” she said. “I know I have a long way to go and much to learn, but I embrace the challenge and calling to be a defensive leader for my teammates. And I’ll get to train beside Mua Williams. How amazing is that!”
There is excitement and connection to future teammates already in Athens. It goes back to the family atmosphere in the locker room. Ava West is also very excited to work with some of the best minds in the game. This staff knows how to engage their players and get them to compete at a high level.
Learning from Georgia’s Coaching Staff
“Coach Tony, Coach JT, Coach Davo, Coach Chelsea, and Coach Karly are some of the sharpest coaching minds in the game,” said West. “They are all fierce competitors. I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow under their mentorship, leadership, and instruction.”
The resources to develop and improve as a student-athlete at Georgia are as great as you will find anywhere.
“Not only will I have one of the best coaching staffs around, but I will also have the resources and support that come with being a student-athlete at Georgia. Softball-dedicated nutrition services, sports medicine, and academic counselors are just a few of the impressive resources available.”
Academic Goals and Gratitude
The academic path for Ava West is also falling into place, as Georgia is in the process of building a med school on campus that is set to launch next Fall. This goes to show that Ava’s priorities are in order. She knows that there is life after softball.
“That was important for me as well as I plan on a Pre-Medicine/Biology major in hopes of one day becoming a pediatrician,” West said.
Full of gratitude and many thanks, Ava knows that she could not have made it here alone. She has great support in her parents and is very grateful to the Georgia family and Coach Baldwin for bringing her in.
“I give all glory and praise to God! He continues to guide and direct my path. I want to thank my parents for none of this would have been possible without them,” West said. “They continue to make sacrifices to help my sisters and me chase our dreams. And to Coach Tony and the Georgia Softball family, thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. Go Dawgs.”
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