Ava Brizard ‘22 - Inducted into the CHSL Hall of Fame

Marian High School is proud to announce that alumna Ava Brizard will be inducted into the Catholic High School League Hall of Fame on Monday, June 8th, recognizing one of the most accomplished volleyball players in Michigan high school history. During her remarkable career at Marian from 2018–2021, Brizard established herself as one of the premier athletes in the nation, helping lead the Mustangs to championship success while earning some of the highest honors in prep volleyball.

Known for her elite athleticism, leadership, competitive drive, and commitment to excellence, Brizard became the face of Marian volleyball during one of the most dominant stretches in program history. Her impact on the court, in the classroom, and within the CHSL community continues to leave a lasting legacy.

Brizard’s senior season in 2021 cemented her place among the top volleyball players in the country. She was named the Gatorade Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year, an honor recognizing not only athletic achievement but also academic excellence, leadership, and character. That same year, she was selected as Michigan Miss Volleyball, awarded annually to the top senior volleyball player in the state.

Her dominance extended well beyond Michigan. Brizard earned AVCA High School All-America First Team honors and was selected to the MaxPreps High School All-America Team, solidifying her standing among the nation’s elite high school players. MaxPreps ranked Marian No. 2 nationally during the 2021 season, reflecting the extraordinary level at which the program competed during Brizard’s tenure.

Throughout her career, Brizard played a major role in leading Marian to back-to-back MHSAA Class A State Championships in 2020 and 2021. Her ability to perform in the biggest moments, combined with her leadership and consistency, helped establish Marian as one of the premier volleyball programs in the country.

Statistically, Brizard’s high school career was nothing short of historic. She accumulated more than 2,100 kills and 1,700 digs during her time at Marian, showcasing her complete all-around game and ability to impact every aspect of a match. In her senior season alone, she recorded 602 kills and 408 digs, demonstrating her dominance as both an offensive force and defensive leader.

Beyond the statistics and accolades, Brizard was widely respected for the energy, passion, and leadership she brought to the court every day. Her competitive spirit helped elevate those around her and inspired teammates and younger players throughout the Marian community.

Following her graduation from Marian, Brizard continued her athletic and academic career at NC State University, where she immediately made an impact as an outside hitter for the Wolfpack volleyball program.

As a freshman, she earned ACC Freshman of the Week honors twice and was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team, quickly establishing herself as one of the conference’s top young players. Her collegiate success continued in 2023 when she earned All-ACC Second Team recognition and was named AVCA East All-Region Honorable Mention.

During the 2023 season, Brizard led NC State with 385 kills and 425.5 points while recording 14 matches with double-digit kills. Her consistency, athleticism, and offensive production helped make her one of the top attackers in the ACC.

In addition to her success on the court, Brizard also excelled academically, earning ACC Academic Honor Roll recognition and CoSIDA Academic All-District honors. Her commitment to balancing elite athletics with academic achievement reflects the same dedication and discipline she demonstrated throughout her time at Marian.

Brizard has since continued her athletic journey at the University of Southern California, where she now competes in women’s beach volleyball at the Division I level. At USC, she continues to perform at an elite level while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Finance through the USC Marshall School of Business.

Her transition from indoor volleyball to beach volleyball further highlights her versatility, work ethic, and commitment to continuous growth as an athlete. Whether competing indoors or on the sand, Brizard has consistently represented her programs with excellence, determination, and professionalism.

Reflecting on her induction into the CHSL Hall of Fame, Brizard shared, “Being inducted into the CHSL Hall of Fame is an incredible honor. I experienced tremendous growth in my volleyball game, as well as in how I was as a teammate, leader, student, daughter, and in my faith. I was blessed to be a part of an incredible program at Marian, which yielded back-to-back state titles, CHSL titles, and other individual accolades. But when I reflect on my time at Marian, I remember being challenged and pushed to succeed by my teammates, coaches, and teachers. I felt more than prepared to step into collegiate athletics, thanks to Marian volleyball, academic curriculum, and the Catholic League, one of the most competitive conferences in the state. Finally, there have been numerous athletes who are etched forever into the CHSL Hall of Fame, and to have my name written in the history books is something I am honored and grateful for.”

Ava Brizard’s induction into the CHSL Hall of Fame is a reflection of an extraordinary career defined by championships, national recognition, leadership, and lasting impact. Her accomplishments at Marian High School, combined with her continued success at the collegiate level, make her one of the most accomplished athletes to come through the Catholic High School League.

The Marian community proudly congratulates Ava Brizard on this incredible and well-deserved honor and looks forward to celebrating her induction into the CHSL Hall of Fame on June 8th.