Toppin to Captain Navy Volleyball Team

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Ava Toppin has been selected as the captain of the Navy volleyball team for the 2025 fall campaign, head coach Paco Labrador announced today.

“Ava has established herself as a true servant leader on this team,” said Labrador. “She has overcome many challenges over her three years at Navy, including a season ending injury, while at the same time elevating her mental, physical and tactical game to emerge from this spring as our top attacker and blocker.  Ava will bring an excellent mix of empathy and accountability to this team.  I’m excited to share in her leadership journey this year.”

The rising senior middle blocker from Carolina Beach, N.C., started 23 of her 25 matches during her 2024 junior season.  She averaged 1.61 kills and 0.87 blocks per set on the year to go along with a .258 hitting percentage.  Toppin ranked first on the team in total blocks, second in hitting percentage and third in total kills.  She improved her statistics to 1.65 kills, 0.96 blocks and a .265 attack percentage during the league season.

The English major has received academic honors from the USNA in four semesters and was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll last fall.