Ava Starr was put into an unenviable position as a junior. The Lake Catholic setter was tasked with replacing Hannah Pattie as the offensive orchestrate for the then two-time defending state champions. In Pattie’s four years, she ended up seventh in OHSAA history for assists in a career. But Starr thrived. During her two years as the Cougars’ setter, she finished her career with 1,912 assists, adding two more banners to the walls of the Zappitelli Family Athletic Center and a total of four state championship rings. The senior also was turning heads for the collegiate level as well. Starr ultimately selected to continue her academic and athletic career at Walsh University. The Warriors have been a strong offensive team in years past and feature a myriad of young strong players back in their rotation for the 2026 season. “What made Walsh the right choice for me, was its very successful program and the coaching staff,” Starr said. “When I visited, you could tell that the coaching staff wants to see you succeed, and they are going to make you a better athlete and better person. I cannot wait to get on the court for Walsh.” Her time behind Pattie helped. Not just from a playing perspective, either. Starr has been in the Cougars’ system through her career and seen the rejuvenation of the program over the past half-decade. And all of those teams had one thing in common: strong leaders on the court. While Pattie was a big influence on her, getting to play with players such as Katie Sowko, Julia Oster and the Budrys-Rini sisters Ava and Avery, she learned what it meant to help those around her improve. In a season where there were several new pieces around her on the attack, Starr helped with their development to bring home a fourth straight state championship. “Watching Hannah not only helped me learn, but also inspired me to be a better athlete and leader,” Starr said. “She was a very good leader and taught me the importance of having a voice on the court and keeping your composure.” Starr’s tenure with the Warriors won’t be without some familiar faces around her. Ava Budrys-Rini was a freshman with the team a season ago, and the double Ava connection will reunite for the 2026 campaign. But they aren’t the only players from The News-Herald coverage area on the Walsh roster. Gilmour alum Cara Riley will be entering her sophomore campaign as well. Several other players from around the Northeast Ohio area are on the roster, too. Having some familiar faces around her to start her collegiate journey will make it a lot easier for Starr to adjust. “I am very excited to be reunited with Ava, and familiar faces, because as a setter it is very important to have a strong connection with your hitters,” Starr said. “Reuniting with people I have played with in the past, will help me get the connection down even faster, and it will help the offense become more successful. It was also help me get more comfortable and confident on the court knowing some faces.” ...read more read less