Ava Falduto, a former IC Catholic volleyball star, has been a staunch Chicago Cubs fan for all her life. She reminisces about her childhood, often wearing a Cubs cheerleading outfit, supported by family photos that capture everyone in Cubs hats. Her earliest memories of Wrigley Field games trace back to 2016, the year the Cubs clinched the World Series. Despite attending games, Falduto never set foot on the field until a historic event recently.
Last Sunday marked a milestone as Falduto and her Penn State teammates faced Kentucky in the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week at the iconic venue. It was Wrigley Field’s inaugural volleyball match. Sadly, the second match between Nebraska and Missouri was suspended due to condensation on the court.
Falduto shares that attending Cubs games was a family tradition. “Growing up, my siblings and I engaged in softball and baseball, so it runs in our family,” she stated. News of playing at Wrigley left her astonished, with family attending the event, adding to the excitement. Despite a four-set loss, the match attracted 43,067 spectators, the second-largest crowd in Wrigley’s history and for any volleyball match.
“It was like a dream come true that I never even thought I could have,” Falduto described. “Obviously, we didn’t win, but the whole thing was so cool.”
Anticipation for the match built over nine months, as Falduto learned the news at the previous season’s end, advised by her coach to keep it confidential until an official announcement. Her parents, John and Jen, managed ticket demands to accommodate her large support group.
On the eve of the match, Falduto and teammate Haley Burgdorf were among the first to step on the field, witnessing transformative preparations for the event. The team practiced under the lights, adjusting to outdoor conditions including wind challenges noted by Falduto, but manageable during the game.
Condensation concerns emerged, echoing past memories for Burgdorf from her youth sports days. Penn State donned special pinstripe uniforms as a nod to the Cubs, enchantingly detailed and baseball-themed, much to the players’ delight.
Falduto’s predecessor, Gillian Grimes, a former Penn State star and professional player, expressed admiration, watching from the grass, envying the opportunity by one missed season.
The memorable weekend extended with a victory over DePaul before moving to another iconic venue, the Palestra in Philadelphia, for a match against Stanford. Falduto praises the cohesive team spirit and readiness to compete.
Teammate Burgdorf admires Falduto’s positivity and support on the court, reflecting mutual trust and camaraderie during matches.
Falduto’s volleyball journey boasts significant achievements, including leading IC Catholic to state finals and securing a national title at Penn State. However, her Wrigley experience stands unparalleled.
“I don’t know if anything compares to this one,” she remarked. “It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”
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