Prior to the start of this volleyball season, Jackson star junior setter Avery Brune has received multiple Division-I offers to continue her career at the next level.
Also starring for Pursuit Volleyball and helping lead the club to the national tournament this summer, it’s no surprise a player of Brune’s caliber is going to play at a high level following her career with the Indians.
Despite the fact that many saw this coming, actually achieving this longtime goal has been one of the most gratifying experiences of Avery’s career so far.
“I’ve always wanted to play college volleyball ever since I started playing,” Brune said. “That’s always been my dream and goal, so it’s been really cool to see all my hard work pay off. I couldn’t have had all these opportunities without my coaches or my family.”
Unlike a lot of sports, Brune and anyone else in the Class of 2028 for volleyball has had to wait till this summer to start actually receiving college offers.
Even though Brune had to wait a long time, she’s taking each moment in stride.
“I’ve been trying to take the recruiting process in a really positive way. I’ve just been really patient and not just going through the motions, but seeing what those coaches have to say and taking the time to make the right decision and see where my future home is.”
On top of receiving numerous offers, Brune has now also gone on visits to a few of the school that offered her.
Whether it’s been touring the campuses and facilities or having a photoshoot in what could be her future uniform, all of these visits have helped Brune recognize her dreams are indeed coming true.
“The photoshoots have been a fun part of the visit, but obviously we went and ate lunch with the coaches,” Brune said. “I got to know them a little bit and then went on a tour. The photoshoots have made me realize this is getting real, and I’m just so excited for that chapter in my life.”
Outside of playing in the national spotlight for Pursuit, Brune has helped elevate Jackson volleyball to one of the top-tier programs in all of Missouri.
Last fall, the Indians only suffered three losses all season as they set a new school record of single-season wins with a staggering 36.
While Jackson graduated key seniors like Class 5 All-State selection Melaina Haines and SEMO Conference Libero of the Year Jayde Cowart, Brune and company are eager for this fall.
“There’s been really positive energy surrounding this season,” Brune said. “We lost a few great seniors last year, but we have a bunch of girls stepping up this year, and I think all those girls are taking it on in a really positive way. We’re really excited to show people what we’re made of.”
As a sophomore last year, Brune recorded a team-high 463 assists while sharing setter duties with fellow junior Lauren Dorey, who has already verbally committed to Washington.
Outside of leading the Indians in assists as an underclassman, Avery also finished second on her team in kills and digs with 284 and 232, respectively. Brune was also third in aces (51) and fifth overall in total blocks (25).
Brune will now be stepping up as more of a leader for Jackson this fall as she’s been selected as one of the Indians four team captains.
“I think taking that role has been so exciting for me because I feel like I’ve always been a leader on my club team,” Brune said. “It’s cool to be a leader of my high school team now and being an upperclassman. I love taking on that role and challenge because all four of the captains this year, we are making it a goal that we’re going to achieve our dreams this season. Being a leader towards that is really cool.”
Currently through three games where Jackson is undefeated, Avery is leading the offensive attack with the most kills while still being one of the team’s leaders in dishing the ball around.
One of the keys to the Indians being as successful as they have been the past few years is because of how much these players push each other in games and practice.
“I think practice is what’s going to be really important for us this year and just by the first week of practice, we’ve all come in here every single day with 110% effort. We have pillars in our program to have great attitude, effort and enthusiasm every single day.
“I think what’s going to carry us through this season is just coming into practice and putting our heads down working every day. I also think Jackson volleyball has the best people — that’s what makes this place.”
With all of the success the program has had, of course, comes expectations. The Indians fell in last year’s Class 5 District 1 championship game to Cor Jesu after winning four of the five tournaments they played in during the regular season.
Jackson still reigned supreme in its conference by claiming a seventh-straight SEMO Conference Championship, but these Indians have their eyes set on more.
“Pressure is privilege, and I think we say that every single day,” Brune noted. “Each and every one of these girls in this program loves the sport of volleyball, and I think that shows when we play and practice. We have such enthusiasm when we come in here, so I feel like the girls make it fun to where we want to come in here every single day.”
Brune has already made an impressive mark on Jackson volleyball, leading the program to back-to-back 30-plus win seasons.
While she wants to add more plaques to the program’s trophy case, Brune hopes her name will carry more weight than just her success.
“ I want people to see me as a person who had a bunch of grit and came in here every single day whether it was games or practice and gave it my all,” Brune said. “Also for being a great teammate and a great person and always encouraging my teammates and always being there for them. I also want people to remember my high energy and someone who brings out the fun side in volleyball.”
