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Esser named AVCA third-team All-American

The photo captures a dynamic moment during a volleyball match: A player, Ava Esser, in a yellow jersey, number 12, is airborne, executing a spike over the net. Two opposing players in black jerseys with orange sleeves, representing Cowley, are attempting to block the spike. One blocker wears jersey number 19, and another visible player wears number 5. The image conveys a sense of intensity and athleticism, highlighting the competitive nature of the game.
JCCC's Ava Esser goes up for a kill.
Posted: Dec 13, 2025

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) recently announced its 45-member 2025 All-America team for Two-Year College women's volleyball, as chosen by Two-Year College Coaches Volleyball All-American Volleyball Committee, and Johnson County sophomore outside/right side hitter Ava Esser was selected to the third-team. The 45 players represent all three National Junior College Athletic Association divisions, the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) and the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC).

Esser become the 11th player in team history to be selected as an AVCA All-American. Last week, she was named to the NJCAA D-II All-America first-team.

Her standout play helped lead the Cavaliers to a 25-9 record, a trip to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament, and a No. 6 final national ranking.

Esser finished the season with 460 kills, ranking third in the conference and tied for 14th nationally. Her 3.87 kills per set were fourth-best in the KJCCC. She added 212 digs, 80 blocks, and 28 aces while posting 28 double-figure kill matches.

One of the signature moments of her season came in the conference opener at Neosho County, where she delivered a program-record 31 kills, becoming just the 14th conference player ever to record 30 or more in a match.

At the National Tournament, Esser elevated her play again, totaling 54 kills in three matches (4.08 per set). She opened with 23 kills in a five-set battle against Pensacola State, tying the second-most kills ever by a Cavalier at nationals and ranking seventh most in program history.

Esser's 460 kills now stand as the fourth-highest single-season total in JCCC history, and most by a freshman. Her 28 double-digit kill performances rank third all-time.

Earlier this season, she was also named first-team All-Kansas Jayhawk Conference D-II and first-team All-Region 6 D-II. She earned KJCCC D-II Offensive Player of the Week honors three times and was recognized nationally in week six as both the NJCAA and AVCA Offensive Player of the Week.