9-2-25

Westfield’s versatile attacker transforms mindset into championship formula

At just 21-11 overall and fresh off a heartbreaking loss in the Group 4 state championship final, Westfield’s volleyball program stands at a crossroads. But if senior outside hitter Ava Gaspard has her way, the Blue Devils’ best days lie ahead. As one of the Union County Conference’s most dynamic players, Gaspard embodies the resilience and determination that has defined Westfield volleyball’s championship culture.

Her statistical dominance throughout the 2024 season tells the story of a player who thrives under pressure. With 256 kills across 71 sets, Gaspard averaged nearly four kills per set while adding 187 digs and 40 aces to demonstrate her all-around excellence. Those numbers placed her among the conference’s elite performers, but for Gaspard, individual statistics pale in comparison to team accomplishments.

“This season I’ve really been focusing on being not only the best player I can be but also the best teammate I can be,” Gaspard explains. “I want to be a person they can rely on both on the court and off the court and I hope I can be a leader in getting this team a county and a state title.”

When Underdogs Bite Back

For Gaspard, the season’s most meaningful victory didn’t come in the state tournament or against a nationally ranked opponent. Instead, it arrived during Westfield’s annual Pinkout game, a contest that honors women battling breast cancer while showcasing the Blue Devils’ character under pressure.

“Last year very early on in the season we lost pretty badly to our rival Union Catholic,” Gaspard recalls. “Then when we played them a second time at our annual pinkout game, which is a game we play to honor women battling breast cancer, we beat them. We went into that game with fans thinking that we were going to lose to a dominant Union Catholic team.”

That victory represented more than just revenge against a conference rival. It demonstrated the mental toughness that separates championship contenders from pretenders, a quality that Gaspard hopes to carry into the upcoming season.

“Instead of giving into what the fans thought, we played like we had nothing left to lose and we played the toughest I’ve ever seen us play,” she explains. “So going into every match this season we need to have the same mentality of staying aggressive and relentless as well as playing like we have nothing to lose.”

County and State or Bust

Under head coach Beverly Torok’s guidance, Westfield has established itself as a perennial contender in both Union County and state competition. The Blue Devils’ recent run to the Group 4 state championship game validates their status among New Jersey’s elite programs, but Gaspard and her teammates understand that reaching the finals means little without claiming the title.

“Our main goals have always been to win a county and state title,” Gaspard states matter-of-factly. The simplicity of that statement belies the complexity of achieving those objectives in one of the state’s most competitive conferences.

The Union County Conference features traditional powers like Union Catholic and Governor Livingston, teams that consistently challenge for state recognition. Gaspard’s assessment of the competition reflects both respect and confidence.

“Our toughest competition will probably continue to be Union Catholic and Governor Livingston in our conference,” she notes, acknowledging the quality of opponents while expressing faith in Westfield’s ability to compete with anyone.

Pieces of the Puzzle

While Gaspard leads Westfield’s offensive attack, the Blue Devils’ championship aspirations depend on contributions throughout the lineup. Senior setter Emelia Dengler orchestrated the offense with 501 assists, finishing third in the Union County Conference in that category. Her development alongside Gaspard creates the foundation for Westfield’s balanced attack.

“We return a lot of key pins who can take over a match, along with our setter Emelia Dengler who was 3rd in assists in the Union county conference last year who will take on a big leadership role this year,” Gaspard explains. “She is definitely the calming presence on the court who leads by example.”

The defensive backbone comes from senior libero Audrey Hu, whose 220 digs anchored Westfield’s back row throughout the season. Her vocal leadership complements Gaspard’s by-example approach, creating the communication network essential for championship-level play.

“As well as our libero Audrey Hu who is our vocal leader and will frustrate attackers as her defense is relentless,” Gaspard notes, highlighting the complementary skills that make the Blue Devils difficult to attack.

The Blue Devils will need to replace the production of graduated seniors like middle blocker Catie Carayannopoulos (151 kills, 58 blocks) and outside hitter Maddy Coen, while returning senior opposite hitter Vicki Morey who contributed 133 kills and 160 digs to demonstrate the depth that will be crucial for the upcoming season.

Next Wave Rising

Westfield’s championship window extends beyond this season, thanks to an influx of talented underclassmen who understand the program’s expectations. The integration of new players presents both opportunities and challenges as the Blue Devils seek to maintain their competitive edge.

“We have a great team this year, a lot of new players but they all know the expectation of Westfield volleyball and we all have the same goals of winning a county and state title this year,” Gaspard observes. “This team is really tough offensively and we have some really good servers that can put a lot of pressure on the teams we play.”

The development of players like junior outside hitter Lillian Wood, who contributed 13 kills in limited action in 2024, provides depth that could prove crucial during extended tournament runs.

“We also have new middles and right sides who are all going to be big contributors offensively and defensively,” Gaspard explains, demonstrating her understanding of how individual improvements translate to team success.

From Player to Catalyst

As one of Westfield’s returning impact players, Gaspard has embraced the leadership responsibilities that come with experience and production. Her approach emphasizes reliability and consistency rather than vocal motivation, reflecting her understanding of what teammates need from their star players.

“What’s exciting about this season is that we have a ton of players who can make a big impact,” she explains, deflecting individual attention toward collective potential. This team-first mentality has become a hallmark of successful Westfield teams under Torok’s guidance.

The coach’s emphasis on daily improvement has resonated with players who understand that championship success requires consistent effort rather than sporadic brilliance.

“Our coach this year is really emphasizing improving every single day in practice and she brings a lot of experience and wisdom that will help us be successful this year,” Gaspard notes, acknowledging the coaching influence that has shaped Westfield’s competitive culture.

Momentum and Memory

Westfield’s 21-11 record in 2024 included several signature victories that demonstrated the team’s potential while also revealing areas for improvement. The Blue Devils’ ability to compete with elite programs like Princeton and Old Bridge provided valuable experience, even in defeat.

More importantly, victories over traditional rivals validated Westfield’s championship credentials while building the confidence necessary for postseason success. The team’s run through the Group 4 tournament showcased both individual talent and collective determination.

“We return a lot of key players who made big impacts last year and we also introduce a lot of juniors who know the expectations and are eager to work and contribute to our team,” Gaspard states confidently, though the Blue Devils will need to adjust without several graduated seniors who were key contributors in 2024.

The Championship Blueprint

As Westfield prepares for another championship pursuit, Gaspard’s combination of individual excellence and team leadership provides the foundation for sustained success. Her 256 kills in 2024 established her among the conference’s premier attackers, but her focus remains fixed on team accomplishments rather than personal statistics.

The mental approach that served Westfield well during their Pinkout victory over Union Catholic represents the mindset that could define their championship push. Playing with nothing to lose while maintaining aggressive intensity creates the perfect balance between confidence and determination.

“So going into every match this season we need to have the same mentality of staying aggressive and relentless as well as playing like we have nothing to lose,” Gaspard emphasizes, revealing the competitive fire that drives her pursuit of excellence.

With experienced players like Dengler and Hu, and Morey providing leadership alongside emerging talents throughout the roster, Westfield possesses the depth and versatility necessary for championship competition. The Blue Devils’ offensive firepower, anchored by Gaspard’s consistent production, creates matchup problems for any opponent.

As the new season approaches, Westfield enters with realistic championship expectations and the personnel to achieve them. Gaspard’s evolution from productive player to team leader reflects the program’s commitment to developing complete athletes who understand that individual success means nothing without collective achievement.

The county and state titles that have eluded Westfield remain within reach, and with Ava Gaspard leading the charge, the Blue Devils possess the talent and determination to transform potential into championship reality. They opened the season with an impressive win over Governor Livingston to set the tone for the 2025 season ahead.