Just a day ago, the Texas Longhorns lit up Gregory Gymnasium with a fiery sweep of No. 19 USC, 26-24, 25-20, 25-22, in front of a packed, roaring crowd. The Longhorns (20-6) powered their way into the NCAA Regional for the 19th straight season, keeping their incredible streak alive as the longest in the nation. Freshman Ayden Ames stole the show, towering at the net with seven total blocks and sneaking in two kills for good measure. This rising star didn’t just show up—she showed out.

Oh, and before that? Ayden was already busy making magic happen. In the first-round clash against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the No. 13 Longhorns swept their way to victory, 25-11, 25-23, 25-12, with Ames stacking up eight kills and five blocks like it was just another day. Since joining the Longhorns in 2023, this freshman phenom has been turning heads, making waves, and rewriting expectations. So. let’s dive in and get to know this game-changing star on the rise!

Everything you need to know about Ayden Ames’ family

Ayden Ames shining under the NCAA spotlight isn’t some overnight sensation—it’s in her DNA. Her athletic prowess runs deep, thanks to her powerhouse mom, Laura Ames, who played both volleyball and basketball at Lewis University and now serves as the College Recruiting Director for 1 United Volleyball Club. Ayden, born in sunny Los Angeles before making her way to Texas, grew up with a family that knows how to bring their A-game. She’s the daughter of Laura Ames and David Thau, with two equally supportive siblings, Jake and Julia, by her side.

Earlier this year, when Ayden received Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year, her parents were right there supporting and cheering her on. Ayden was embraced by her mom in a huge hug, holding back tears. The senior, who led Prosper to the state tournament this past fall, realized she had accomplished her goal. With a family like hers cheering her every step of the way, it’s no wonder her resume is packed with jaw-dropping achievements. Curious about what makes her the ultimate star? Let’s dive into the deets—you’re in for a treat!

Career highlights and achievements of the Texas Longhorns star

Ayden Ames? Oh, she’s got a stacked resume that’s just getting started! Before even stepping foot on the Texas campus, this girl had already taken over the volleyball scene. She snagged the 2023-24 Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year award, and led her high school team, Prosper High, to a killer 37-10 record, with a historic run to the 6A state semifinals. On top of that, Ayden was an AVCA First Team All-American and closed out her high school career with 1,594 kills, 312 blocks, and 96 aces—talk about numbers that make you stop in your tracks. And, because she’s that good, she also helped Team USA’s U19 squad clinch the FIVB U19 World Championship in 2023.

Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, she was also a 2023 Under Armour All-American and a member of the USA Volleyball U19 Training Team. Fast forward to January 2024, Ayden signed her National Letter of Intent with No. 3 Texas Volleyball and jumped into action early. And off the court? She’s making waves in the world of NIL, signing with Valor Sports Agency to manage her career and power up her brand. Heck, you can even grab an Ayden Ames Panini College Volleyball NIL Rookie Card on eBay for just $9.99! Whether it’s crushing it on the court or scoring deals off of it, Ayden’s here to take over!