“As soon as I was born, I was holding a basketball.”
Ava Black’s connection with basketball started before she was even born. Her parents, Julian and Kelly, both played the sport in college at the division III level. Her sister, Aaliyah, also followed in her parents' footsteps, which led Ava to do the same.
“I did a bunch of other sports, but basketball was like the one thing I kind of stuck with and loved,” Black said.
While her family influenced her in evolving her game, they also learned a lot through the guard’s recruiting process which was very different from theirs. However, knowing that “they wanted what's best for her,” comforted Black in making her own choices.
Some of the biggest factors that led her to start pursing basketball seriously were the opportunities on and off the court that she could gain such as scholarships and travel.
During her time at Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, she helped the team make it to the NEPSAC Class AA championship as a freshman and ISL championship during her senior campaign.
However, in the middle of that journey, she suffered an injury that sidelined her throughout her junior year.
“I think I learned a lot about myself, how mentally strong I am, and how much the mind really controls the body,” Black said. “I think that's when my IQ for the game took off because you're forced to just watch from the outside. That's when I think I learned a lot of my different defenses. So, it really helped me become the player I am today.”
After recovering from the injury and getting back to the court, she was ranked as one of New England’s top prospects.
“I try to be a playmaker, make something happen. I don't care if I score. I don't care if you score. I just want to win, so I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Black said. “I'm a playmaker. I do a little bit of everything. Whatever you need from me, that's what I'm going to do. Whatever the team's lacking that day, that's what you'll see me pick up on.”
In her first year of eligibility, she joined the Vanderbilt Commodores, contributing to their Sweet 16 campaign in the NCAA Tournament.
After that experience, she decided to enter the transfer portal to scout new opportunities. That’s when the Lady Lions showed up on her radar.
“I understand what it takes to get to the NCAA Tournament and I understand why we fell short,” Black said. “Taking those experiences and implementing them here will be very helpful.”
One of the most influential factors was the school's proximity to New England. On the other hand, a prior connection with one member of the coaching staff helped to strengthen the commitment.
“Coach Kelly (Mazzante) was also one of the first coaches to recruit me during my freshman year of high school. Also, knowing the experience our staff has as players, is very helpful. Especially because that's where I want to be,” Black said. “Here, the coaches care for you beyond the court. They want what's best for you. They're going to hold you accountable on and off-court, and they really want you to be the best version of yourself.”
When she came to Happy Valley, Black changed her number as she looked for a fresh start. The guard decided on taking number six as a representation of a new start and alluding to when Lebron James decided to go from Cleveland to Miami.
Outside basketball, the Auburn, N.H., native is working towards a degree in global and international studies, along with a minor in Spanish. However, her goal is to become a college coach when she graduates.
“I am very interested in culture and learning different people's backgrounds, it's so fascinating,” Black said. “I want to be a coach because I feel like I have so much knowledge and I love the game too much to just forget about it after I'm done.”
Since the summer, the sophomore has been working with the Lady Lions to get prepared for the 2026-27 season.
“I think we all just want to win,” Black said. “But at the end of the day, we’re creating memories. So, I think I will have fun and really grow through the season on and off-the-court.”