Avery Helms

Marquette Volleyball scrimmages at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, WI on Augest 15th, 2025.

Photo by: Marquette Athletics

Marquette Volleyball players and staff headshots from media day in the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, WI on July 25th, 2025.

Position:
Defensive Specialist
Height:
5-9
Class:
Freshman
High School:
Francis Howell
Hometown:
St. Charles, Mo.

Prior to Marquette: Helms played four years of volleyball at Francis Howell High School under head coach Keith Price … Was a three-time team captain and earned AVCA Third Team All-America recognition in 2024, in addition to all-region honors …. A two-time first team all-state selection and the Gateway Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2024 … Second all-time among high school players in the state of Missouri's history with 1,872 career digs … Graduated as the school's record holder for most digs in a season (655 in 2024), most digs per set in a season (5.7 in 2024), most aces in a season (58 in 2024) and most career aces (184) … Selected to three all-district first teams and a total of four all-conference honors … Top-ranked libero in Missouri according to Prep Dig for all four years of high school career … Prep Volleyball All-Midwest Region Team in 2024 … Led Francis Howell H.S. to consecutive district titles and appearances in the state semifinals in 2023 and 2024 … Team won four conference titles and earned first ever state runner-up finish in 2023 … Played eight years of club volleyball for Rockwood Thunder Volleyball Club … Helped club team to a USAV 15U National Championship in 2022 and a pair of top-5 Open Division National Qualifier finishes.

Personal: Born in St. Louis, Missouri and parents are Alicia and Ryan Helms … Has two younger siblings, Rilyn and Kinsler … Father played baseball at Oakland University and mother was an NAIA women's basketball player at Indiana Wesleyan … Plans to major in business.

Theis on Helms: "Avery is a tremendous passer and defender. While some liberos are better at one than the other – she seems to excel in both. She has expanded her game over the last two years and is getting more comfortable playing multiple defensive spots – which adds even more value. I expect Avery to dig a lot of balls in her career as a Golden Eagle."

Helms on Marquette: "I chose Marquette because of the combination of high-level volleyball, academics, and community. Marquette gives me the opportunity to better myself both on and off the court. I'm so excited to be a part of such an amazing program!"