October 16, 2024
Abigail Bivona is a standout middle blocker for the Delaware Valley High School volleyball team. Over her high school career, Bivona has accumulated impressive stats, including 574 kills, 160 blocks, 356 digs, and 75 aces. Her powerful presence at the net and defensive skills have made her an invaluable player for her team.
Bivona’s volleyball journey extends beyond high school, as she has also played for the Central Jersey Volleyball Academy’s 17 Black team. Her club experience has honed her skills and provided her with the opportunity to compete at a higher level, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable athlete.
Abbey can be a dominant force and with the Terriers classified as a Group 1 team, they have an exceptional chance to advance to the sectional championship game as well as compete for a Group 1 State Championship. As a smaller school, they have taken on some of the states best such as Hunterdon Central and Sparta and have still maintained a winning record.
In this exclusive interview, Bivona shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs as a volleyball player. She discusses the camaraderie with her teammates, the rigorous training sessions, and the exhilaration of competition. Join us as we explore the mindset and passion of this exceptional athlete.
Here is our interview with Ms. Abbey Bivona…
You posted a fantastic match against Montgomery earlier this season where you blasted 22 kills and pushed back 9 blocks. Tell us about that night.
I always love playing Montgomery, and find that I usually have the most fun playing against them. They are such a skilled team, it makes me have to play up to their level. I always love a good competition because it pushes me to do my best, and that’s what happened in that game. The energy in the gym was amazing, and I loved every second of it. I’ve learned over the years that I play my best when I’m having fun, and I don’t think there was one moment that night against Montgomery where I wasn’t enjoying myself.
You have made an impact every season of your high school career from freshman to now being a senior. What season did you enjoy the most?
I have loved every season at Del Val, but I would have to say that my favorite one was my freshman year. It took a little while for me to get used to my new environment, but once I started to get more comfortable, I was able to create some of the best memories. The older girls on the team took me under their wing and made me feel at home. I grew special bonds with the seniors, and looked up to each one of them. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be on a team with them, and form so many new friendships that I still cherish to this day.
Tell us about you experience at CJVA.
CJVA formed me into the player that I am today. When I first started playing volleyball, the coaches there saw potential in me, and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. Everything I know about this sport is because of CJVA and their incredible coaching staff. The coaches there really looked out for me, and always encouraged me to be the best that I can be. They never once doubted me, and helped me work through challenges I faced both on and off the court. CJVA has also given me some of my best friends. By playing for CJVA for almost 6 seasons I’ve grown up and bonded with every girl that I played with. One of the highlights of my high school season is seeing these girls when I play against their schools. These girls are like family to me, and it‘s all because of the friendly and accepting environment at CJVA.
Tell us about your trip to Chicago for Nationals last season…
Chicago was so much fun! Traveling is one of my favorite things because I love exploring new places. So, traveling to Chicago to play volleyball with my friends, and spending time with my friends and family, was such an amazing experience. One of my favorite memories of the trip was watching other incredibly talented teams play. I love Nationals because it allows me to watch some of the best volleyball I’ve ever seen, and watching that level of volleyball always makes me want to be better and work harder in the sport.
What inspired you to start playing volleyball?
There wasn’t really anything in particular that inspired me to start playing volleyball. I first started playing on my middle school team because I wanted something to do during the year. However, what inspired me to get better at the sport was my goal to make the high school freshman team. I spent every day the summer prior practicing outside in preparation for club team tryouts at CJVA. I knew that the best way for me to improve my skills was through advanced coaching, and I was lucky enough to make it onto a national team and to have that kind of coaching experience at CJVA. All of this wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for my mom. She’s the one who pushed me to try out and get out of my comfort zone. She’s also my biggest fan and doesn’t miss a single game. Nobody encourages me more than my mom.
#4 or #9
That’s a tough one. I don’t think I can pick, they are both special to me. #4 has been my favorite number since I was a little kid, and that’s the number I decided to wear when I started playing club. The only reason I didn’t pick #4 in my freshman year in high school is because it was already taken by a senior, but I liked how my club and high school seasons were distinguished with two different numbers.
What do you love most about volleyball?
I love all the friendships that I’ve made over the years. I’ve learned that, in order to have a successful team, you need to have bonds and connections with your other teammates. I’m very fortunate to have these friendships on both my club and high school teams. It truly makes the sport even more enjoyable, and I look forward to spending time with my teammates everyday.
Tell us about what is next after high school volleyball. What went into your decision to attend and play at Rowan University?
All throughout last year, I was pretty indecisive when it came to playing in college, but I knew that if I did play in college, I wanted it to be at a school that was known for its great community and academics. I attended a prospect camp at Rowan this past summer, and I loved every minute that I spent there. I had previously visited the campus and really enjoyed it, but after spending that weekend with all of the girls on the team, and getting a good feel for the university, I knew I wanted to go there. Everyone was so welcoming and it made me so excited about the possibility of going to Rowan. I’m not sure yet what I want to study yet, and plan on narrowing down my major once I’m in college.
Who would you say are your top influencers/mentors?
My top influencers are my parents, my teammates, and my coaches. They all push me to play my best, and are my biggest supporters. My mom especially inspires me to persevere when it comes to my goals. Since I started out as a freshman, she had a vision for the volleyball team, and wanted to bring more light to the team. She helped with banquets and to get us a varsity board, and has done so much more to make my time at high school so enjoyable. I’m so grateful to have such a supportive and loving community around me all the time.
Do you have any pre-game rituals that you do before every game?
I have to always listen to music before a game. I love listening to energetic and upbeat music, because it gives me energy, and makes me excited to get that energy out on the court. When I’m done listening to music I like to imagine myself on the court playing, which helps get me in the volleyball mindset, and to focus on the game that’s about to start.
Tell us about your family?
I have two younger brothers (one is 15 and the other is 10), and we’re all very close despite the age differences. My parents and siblings have always been so supportive of me throughout everything that I’ve ever done in my life. I’m so grateful for them, and can always count on them to be there for me, I love spending time with them.
Who is your role model?
My role model is my dad because of the way he’s always friendly, positive, and happy in almost every situation he’s in. I admire that so much, and try to act like him more and more everyday. I also love his sense of humor and how he just wants to always have fun.
Check out these video links of Abbey in action…
https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/abigail_bivona?video=3090605
https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16587516/66fd6ed055032f66d05537d6
