Athlete of the Week: Beth Prince

AVON, Ind. (WISH) - Just a sophomore, Avon volleyball star Beth Prince has garnered widespread national attention, being named ESPN’s freshman of the year and recently leading the Orioles to a state title. However, a few years ago, these accolades were nowhere in sight. 

“I started playing in the sixth grade and I was really bad,” said Prince. “I honestly hated it so much, because I was bad and everyone made fun of me, but they made me mad enough to want to be good at it.”

When many 12-year-olds would’ve quit on the spot after harsh words and whispers from others, it only pushed Prince in the gym, setting her sights on not just being good, but being the best. 

“I think honestly it was the fact that everyone thought I was bad, that I just wanted to be better,” said Prince. “It wasn’t that I really liked it or anything. It’s just like my competitiveness.”

And now just four years after no one wanted her on their team, just about every top college program in America does, and now it’s Prince and that fighter’s spirit that will do that picking.