Ava Falduto’s Unique Volleyball Experience at Wrigley Field

Ava Falduto, a former volleyball star from IC Catholic, has been a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Her family immersed her into Cubs fandom from birth. “I wore a Cubs cheerleading outfit often when I was a baby,” Falduto recalled, highlighting family photos of her in Cubs gear alongside relatives donning Cubs hats.

Her earliest memories of Wrigley Field go back to 2016, a year marked by the Cubs winning the World Series. Although she had been at many games, Falduto hadn’t been on Wrigley’s field until recently. On Sunday, she played against Kentucky in the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week, marking the first volleyball match held at Wrigley. Unfortunately, a subsequent game faced delay due to court condensation.

“My siblings and I always played softball and baseball,” Falduto said, connecting her family’s love for sports to frequent Cubs games. “When I heard about the match at Wrigley, I was stunned. My whole family came, making it a remarkable shared experience.”

Falduto, a junior libero, achieved significant stats with 11 digs and six assists for Penn State (4-1), who fell short in four sets. The televised event drew 43,067 spectators, marking the second-largest crowd at Wrigley and for any volleyball match.

Falduto expressed gratitude and joy, stating, “Playing at Wrigley was a dream I never thought I could achieve. The experience was exceptional.” Her team, coached by Katie Schumacher-Cawley, anticipated this event for nearly nine months. She remembered her coach’s directive to keep the news confidential, revealing her excitement and the eventual flood of interest upon the announcement.

Falduto’s parents, John and Jen, managed ticket demands adeptly. “They handled it so well,” she said, noting the overwhelming support from family and friends.

Penn State’s Ava Falduto made her debut on Wrigley’s field one night before the match, alongside Haley Burgdorf, a freshman outside hitter. “We finished a video shoot for our jersey reveal,” Falduto said, recalling the thrill of seeing the court being built.

The team trained under the lights on Saturday, adjusting to the outdoor setting. “The wind was challenging initially, but improved during the game,” Falduto noted.

Burgdorf mentioned condensation issues during their match. “They tried clearing it with towels,” she said, reminiscing about similar actions at Sports Performance courts.

In tribute to the Cubs, Penn State donned special pinstripe uniforms. “They were great,” Falduto said, appreciating the baseball-inspired design.

Former Penn State star Gillian Grimes, a dedicated Cubs fan, watched the game from the grass. “It was thrilling,” Grimes said, expressing envy for missing the event by a year.

Penn State concluded an eventful weekend with a win against DePaul before departing. They’re set to play Stanford at Philadelphia’s Palestra on Friday, an opportunity Falduto eagerly anticipates.

“Our team is hungry for victories,” Falduto stated, emphasizing the joy she finds in competing alongside teammates like Burgdorf, who appreciates Falduto’s positive influence.

Burgdorf shared, “Her joy on the court inspires me. We support each other’s play and resilience.” Falduto’s achievements include leading IC Catholic to state championships and winning a national title at Penn State. Despite these victories, playing at Wrigley stands out as a memorable highlight in her career: “It’s incomparable,” she said, reflecting on the unique experience.

Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.