Colorado University Athletics
Volleyball Spotlight Series: Avery Bolles
June 22, 2026 | Volleyball
BOULDER – In the midst of summer break and the journey back from injury, we sat down with Avery Bolles, a rising senior defensive specialist/libero for Colorado Volleyball, to talk more about the highs and lows of recovery.
How would you describe yourself to Colorado fans who may not know you beyond what they see on the volleyball court?
Beyond the volleyball court, I would describe myself as an energetic and caring person, initially pretty shy, but volleyball gives me a platform and presence to express myself in ways I might not with a stranger in public. I like to be dependable for my teammates, friends, and family, and I love exploring and gaining new experiences. I'm also a huge animal lover!
When the injury happened, what was your initial reaction, and what was going through your mind?
Initially, when I got injured, I was really anxious about how I would be able to help my team the rest of the season, not having a role on the court, as well as what it meant for the rest of my career. I was scared at first, then as I progressed through the process, having faith, Aimee, our ATC, and other support staff to help me through is what got me over the initial shock and expectations for what was to come, and kept me going in the recovery process.
What was the most challenging part of the recovery process that people probably didn't see?
I think one of the hardest parts of recovery during an injury is the hunger to play and perform, but the inability to give to the team in the same way as before. The toll that an injury can take on an athlete's mental health is something that often isn't seen since we are in the spotlight and representing not only our image but the University we play for while trying to be perceived as happy and fired up every single day, which isn't realistic but often what injured athletes feel pressure to portray. Even though injuries are unfortunate, I believe that mine have led me to grow stronger and not take any practice, lift, or game for granted, and give all glory to God for not only coming back from injury but playing at this level with these girls.
What kept you motivated during the difficult days of rehab?
My faith in God and knowing that any challenge given to me was meant for me and cannot break me, and getting through each day, meaning I was one step closer to being back playing and helping my team, has been a huge motivator for me. Our amazing athletic trainer, Aimee, was also the best at not only making sure I wasn't doing the same thing every day but also getting to have fun with rehab, which made it feel as light as it could on the hardest days.
Our athletic trainer, Aimee, has been a big part of your recovery. How has she helped you throughout this process, both physically and mentally?
Aimee has been there for me any time I have ever needed. Physically, she has been with me since the day I got injured, all the way through surgery and post-op care, return to play programming, and lifting, as well as PT. Mentally, Aimee has always made sure that I'm getting the support I need, whether it was sitting with me while I cry, talking through anything and everything, putting grape Hi-Chews in my locker, or making sure I get out and do something for my mental health. She has done everything she can to lighten my load and keep me going.
Can you describe a moment this summer when you felt like you had turned a corner in your recovery?
I would say the biggest moment for feeling like I had turned a corner was the first time I got to run again, after not running or jumping for so many months. I was so excited I couldn't stop smiling as I ran; it felt like I was finally stepping into myself again and regaining the ability to move as I did before my injury.
What have you learned about yourself through this experience?
Something I've learned about myself through this experience is that I am much stronger than I ever thought I was. Not only has it taught me to grow deeper in my faith with God, but also to find value in parts of my life outside of athletic hobbies that I never had time to explore or experience before.
Outside of rehab and volleyball, how did you spend your summer, and what helped you stay balanced?
I spent two weeks of my summer at home in Minnesota catching up with friends and then came back out to Colorado to focus on my rehab and return to play. I stayed balanced by visiting my sister, seeing friends that live in Colorado, and getting outside in nature as much as possible. All of these things helped keep me sane during my rehab schedule and made sure I got my mind off of rehab for a while every day.
As you prepare for the season, what are you most excited about when it comes to getting back on the court?
I am most excited to put my jersey on again and be able to play next to my girls and fight for another great year for our program. Being able to throw myself around the floor again is also something I'm really looking forward to!
If there's one thing you want fans and teammates to know about your journey back from injury, what would it be?
I would say that coming back from this injury, I'm not just the same player. I'm a better, stronger, more focused version of who I was before, with my eyes set on being able to compete and give everything to this program that I've been working so hard to build during this long recovery process.
About CU VB
Colorado finished the 2025 season 23-9 and went 12-6 against Big 12 opponents. Coach Mahoney has led the Buffs to a 164-135 record in his 10 seasons at the helm. The Buffs made their 22nd appearance in the NCAA tournament after the conclusion of the regular season, sweeping American in the first round before falling to four-seed Indiana in the second round. The Buffs' last match against the Hoosiers marked the 12th second-round appearance in program history. Colorado had 20 wins this season, marking the program's 13th 20-win season and its first since 2022. With 23 wins this past season, this is the most in a season since 2017 and ties for the third-most wins in a season in program history.
The 2026 volleyball season marks the program's 40th anniversary, and Colorado will host celebrations throughout the fall. Fans can look forward to themed giveaways and promotions this season, with more details to be announced at a later date. Fans can view the full schedule here.
For more information on the Colorado volleyball team, please visit cubuffs.com/vb. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffsvb on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
How would you describe yourself to Colorado fans who may not know you beyond what they see on the volleyball court?
Beyond the volleyball court, I would describe myself as an energetic and caring person, initially pretty shy, but volleyball gives me a platform and presence to express myself in ways I might not with a stranger in public. I like to be dependable for my teammates, friends, and family, and I love exploring and gaining new experiences. I'm also a huge animal lover!
When the injury happened, what was your initial reaction, and what was going through your mind?
Initially, when I got injured, I was really anxious about how I would be able to help my team the rest of the season, not having a role on the court, as well as what it meant for the rest of my career. I was scared at first, then as I progressed through the process, having faith, Aimee, our ATC, and other support staff to help me through is what got me over the initial shock and expectations for what was to come, and kept me going in the recovery process.
What was the most challenging part of the recovery process that people probably didn't see?
I think one of the hardest parts of recovery during an injury is the hunger to play and perform, but the inability to give to the team in the same way as before. The toll that an injury can take on an athlete's mental health is something that often isn't seen since we are in the spotlight and representing not only our image but the University we play for while trying to be perceived as happy and fired up every single day, which isn't realistic but often what injured athletes feel pressure to portray. Even though injuries are unfortunate, I believe that mine have led me to grow stronger and not take any practice, lift, or game for granted, and give all glory to God for not only coming back from injury but playing at this level with these girls.
What kept you motivated during the difficult days of rehab?
My faith in God and knowing that any challenge given to me was meant for me and cannot break me, and getting through each day, meaning I was one step closer to being back playing and helping my team, has been a huge motivator for me. Our amazing athletic trainer, Aimee, was also the best at not only making sure I wasn't doing the same thing every day but also getting to have fun with rehab, which made it feel as light as it could on the hardest days.
Our athletic trainer, Aimee, has been a big part of your recovery. How has she helped you throughout this process, both physically and mentally?
Aimee has been there for me any time I have ever needed. Physically, she has been with me since the day I got injured, all the way through surgery and post-op care, return to play programming, and lifting, as well as PT. Mentally, Aimee has always made sure that I'm getting the support I need, whether it was sitting with me while I cry, talking through anything and everything, putting grape Hi-Chews in my locker, or making sure I get out and do something for my mental health. She has done everything she can to lighten my load and keep me going.
Can you describe a moment this summer when you felt like you had turned a corner in your recovery?
I would say the biggest moment for feeling like I had turned a corner was the first time I got to run again, after not running or jumping for so many months. I was so excited I couldn't stop smiling as I ran; it felt like I was finally stepping into myself again and regaining the ability to move as I did before my injury.
What have you learned about yourself through this experience?
Something I've learned about myself through this experience is that I am much stronger than I ever thought I was. Not only has it taught me to grow deeper in my faith with God, but also to find value in parts of my life outside of athletic hobbies that I never had time to explore or experience before.
Outside of rehab and volleyball, how did you spend your summer, and what helped you stay balanced?
I spent two weeks of my summer at home in Minnesota catching up with friends and then came back out to Colorado to focus on my rehab and return to play. I stayed balanced by visiting my sister, seeing friends that live in Colorado, and getting outside in nature as much as possible. All of these things helped keep me sane during my rehab schedule and made sure I got my mind off of rehab for a while every day.
As you prepare for the season, what are you most excited about when it comes to getting back on the court?
I am most excited to put my jersey on again and be able to play next to my girls and fight for another great year for our program. Being able to throw myself around the floor again is also something I'm really looking forward to!
If there's one thing you want fans and teammates to know about your journey back from injury, what would it be?
I would say that coming back from this injury, I'm not just the same player. I'm a better, stronger, more focused version of who I was before, with my eyes set on being able to compete and give everything to this program that I've been working so hard to build during this long recovery process.
About CU VB
Colorado finished the 2025 season 23-9 and went 12-6 against Big 12 opponents. Coach Mahoney has led the Buffs to a 164-135 record in his 10 seasons at the helm. The Buffs made their 22nd appearance in the NCAA tournament after the conclusion of the regular season, sweeping American in the first round before falling to four-seed Indiana in the second round. The Buffs' last match against the Hoosiers marked the 12th second-round appearance in program history. Colorado had 20 wins this season, marking the program's 13th 20-win season and its first since 2022. With 23 wins this past season, this is the most in a season since 2017 and ties for the third-most wins in a season in program history.
The 2026 volleyball season marks the program's 40th anniversary, and Colorado will host celebrations throughout the fall. Fans can look forward to themed giveaways and promotions this season, with more details to be announced at a later date. Fans can view the full schedule here.
For more information on the Colorado volleyball team, please visit cubuffs.com/vb. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffsvb on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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/ VolleyballTuesday, December 02
Saturday, November 29
Wednesday, November 26
Friday, November 21