BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – The Bowling Green State University volleyball program has added four newcomers to the incoming 2025 class during the National Signing Day period. The Orange and Brown will welcome an outside hitter, Ava Buddelmeyer, an opposite hitter Katerina Pickova, a middle blocker Kendall Williams and a defensive specialist, Alivia Brown. 

"We are thrilled to welcome the 2025 signing class to BGVB," said Head Coach Danijela Tomic. "This group of young women brings a combination of skill, versatility, experience, and passion for the game that will elevate our program. Beyond their volleyball talent, these student-athletes come from great families and exemplify the character that aligns with our core values and championship standards. I have no doubt they will immediately impact our team and continue to push us toward success both on and off the court. We are excited to watch them grow and develop as Falcons, and I look forward to seeing how they help us build on our program's legacy moving forward."

Alivia Brown (Temperance, Mich. / Bedford Senior High / Legacy Volleyball Club)
Alivia Brown will join the Falcons as a second generation collegiate volleyball player, following her mother, Melissa Brown, who played volleyball at Youngstown State. A defensive specialist from Temperance, Michigan, Brown has filled the stat sheet for Bedford Senior High, eclipsing 1,000 career digs, 500 kills and 200 aces for the Kicking Mules. A captain for the 2023 and 2024 teams, Brown led Bedford to a 62-4 record last season, finishing as District and Conference Champions. At the conclusion of the 2023 campaign, Brown was named First Team All-Conference as well as earning All-Region honors and was nominated for All-State. Brown's accomplishments earned her spots on the 2022, 2023 and 2024 AVCA Phenom Watch Lists and the 2023 and 2024 JVA Watch Lists. 

Brown on choosing BGSU:
"When I stepped onto campus, I knew it was my new home. I was welcomed with open arms and love from the coaches, players, and community. The positive atmosphere and determination to win makes this program above all others. I know this school and volleyball program will push me to achieve my goals on and off the court for which I am extremely grateful for. I can't wait for this next chapter of my life and I'm so excited to become a Falcon!"

Coach Tomic's Take:
"Alivia is an ultimate team player and an all-around excellent volleyball player with a great work ethic and an even better attitude. She comes from winning high school and club programs where she played as an outside hitter and a defensive specialist. What attracted us to Alivia, besides her skill versatility, is also her leadership, a relentless drive to improve, and a true passion for the game and her team. We're thrilled to have her join our program and look forward to watching her grow as both an athlete and a person over the next few years."

Ava Buddelmeyer (Findlay, Ohio / Findlay / Premier Academy)
Ava Buddelmeyer will come to Bowling Green from nearby Findlay, Ohio, bringing with her a host of accolades. Playing varsity all four years, Buddelmeyer tallied at least 250 kills and 160 digs in each of her four high school seasons, accumulating over 1,100 career kills and 850 digs. As a senior in 2024, she tallied more than 330 kills and 240 digs, earning First Team All-League,  First Team All-District and Second Team All-Ohio honors while also being named the District 8 D1 Player of the Year. Buddelmeyer was named All-League in each of her four seasons and made either first or second team All-District in three of her four years. Additionally, she was named to the JVA Watch List and was an AAU All-American. 

Buddelmeyer on choosing BGSU:
"I chose Bowling Green because of the amazing culture that the coaches have built. Right when I stepped on campus I felt immediately welcomed by the coaches and players and knew that I would be valued not only as an athlete, but also as a person. I know that the competitive atmosphere will push me both on and off the court, and I will be able to learn so much from the people around me. I am so honored and excited to become a falcon and carry on the tradition of this team!"

Coach Tomic's Take: 
"We are delighted to welcome Ava to BGVB. Our goal every year is to recruit the best Ohio players, and we are excited that Ava chose to make BGSU her second home. Her athleticism and ability to lead and carry a big offensive load on the team immediately impressed us during the recruiting process. Ava's commitment to continuous improvement and team-first mentality align perfectly with BGVB values. We are excited about the impact she will bring both as a player and as a person to our team and the Bowling Green community."

Katerina Pickova (Jihlava, Czech Republic / Gymnasium Jihlava / SSK Demlova Jihlava)
An opposite hitter, Katerina Pickova will come to the Falcons from the same hometown as recent BGVB alum Petra Indrova, For Pickova, she comes from an athletic family with both of her parents playing volleyball. Pickova competed in the U20 Extra League this past season, the highest competition in the Czech Republic reserved for the top 12 teams. This came after winning the U20 First League during the 2023-24 campaign. As for the 2022-23 season, Pickova competed with Havlickuv Brod in the U18 Extra League as well as in the U20 First League with her Jihlava club team. Pickova was also selected as a Regional Athlete of the Year in 2021-22.

Pickova on choosing BGSU:
"I chose Bowling Green State University because my friend Petra Indrova studied and played volleyball there. She told me that if I want to play volleyball under great and inspirational coaches and study at a prestigious university, choosing BGSU is the number one option. I am eager to be a Falcon."

Coach Tomic's Take:
"We are thrilled to welcome Katerina Pickova to BGVB and the Bowling Green Community, especially as she comes from the hometown of one of our BGSU Volleyball greats, Petra Indrova. Katerina's skills, physicality, competitive mindset, and potential to contribute both offensively and defensively make her an exciting addition to our program. We can't wait to see Katerina continue the legacy of excellence at BGSU and make her mark on Falcon Volleyball."

Kendall Williams (Grand Blanc, Mich. / Grand Blanc / Legacy)
The final addition to the class, Kendall Williams will join the Falcons as a middle blocker from Grand Blanc, Michigan. Williams is a second generation collegiate volleyball player with her mom, Tracy, playing volleyball at Lake Superior State. Currently playing for the Grand Blanc Bobcats, Williams earned First Team All-League and All-Region honors in 2023 and was an All-State nominee. As for the 2022 campaign, she aided the Bobcats to a 12-0 league record, being crowned District Champions and Regional Finalists. Williams has also been recognized for her academics, being named twice to the All-State Academic Team. 

Williams on choosing BGSU:
"I loved the campus and community surrounding it. I love everything about the coaches and volleyball program and I believe they will help me grow and develop to my full potential."

Coach Tomic's Take:
"We are excited to welcome Kendall to BGVB. Throughout the recruiting process, Kendall stood out for her athleticism and potential to develop into a strong and dynamic middle blocker. She also comes from winning high school and club programs, and was a club teammate with Alivia. Kendall brings a strong work ethic, a quiet but competitive spirit, and academic excellence that align perfectly with our program's culture. We are excited to play a part in her volleyball and educational journey at BGSU."

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