East County Athlete of the Week: Avarie Tholl

The regular season is a few weeks away for Lakewood Ranch High's girls volleyball team, which held its first varsity practice July 29. Senior middle blocker Avarie Tholl is back for the Mustangs after racking up 51 blocks as a junior — second-most behind then-sophomore setter/middle blocker Adalynn Lund. Lakewood Ranch went 19-9 in 2025 and reached the FHSAA Class 6A-Region 3 quarterfinals. Its season opener is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Lemon Bay. Tholl is the East County Athlete of the Week. 

How have you prepared for this season?

I play club volleyball (for WAVE) and I've been getting back into the habit of working with these setters instead of my old teammates. Every setter is different, so swing changes.

What goals do you have for your senior season?

I would like to keep building chemistry with these girls. I've played with a few of them, but some of them are new. And then, obviously, I would like to win districts again.

When and why did you start playing volleyball?

I started playing volleyball when I was going into my freshman year. My older sister (Addison Tholl) played volleyball. She went D-1 (committed to the University of Alabama at Birmingham) but then had an injury. It kind of just inspired me to keep going.

What are some of your best attributes as a teammate?

I'm not a very self-centered person. I feel like I'm pretty team-oriented. I really don't care much about myself on the court

How has your game improved since last season?

My junior year was my first year on varsity, just because I started playing volleyball pretty late. That year was like a breakthrough. That was when I first started getting recognized like, "Oh, this girl can hit," or "This girl can block."

Why have you stuck with this sport over the years?

The coaching staff — they're just amazing. I really love them. I feel very close with them. All my friends on the team... we're all very close.

Which quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

It's not really a quote, but just hearing things from my sister because we're really close. My sister has always inspired me. She's a lot older than I am, and I've just always looked up to her.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I like to watch movies. I like Backrooms, which just came out, and IT.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

I would want to go to either New York or London. Probably London, just because it seems pretty cool.

Finish this sentence. Avarie Tholl is...

Kind.