All-American Alli Stumler enjoys helping Cats again before starting professional career in France

Former UK All-American Alli Stumler had fun playing with former teammates in an exhibition match against Louisville Sunday. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Alli Stumler’s volleyball career at Kentucky officially ended with UK’s loss in the NCAA Tournament in November but Sunday she was back on the court with her former teammates for an exhibition match against Louisville. She may also play with the Cats in at least one more exhibition this spring.

After the match, I had a chance to let Stumler update me on her future plans and more.

Question: Is this the start of a fifth year at UK for you?
Stumler: “It is not. They just needed some bodies and I was in town. I am going to go play next year overseas, so they asked if I could help out for a couple of matches and that is why I am here.”

Question: Have you been training?
Stumler: “I have been in and out whenever I can be. So during the week, I will try to hop in for practice. It has been awesome.”

Question: What was it like to play a  match for fun, or was it more than that since it was against Louisville?
Stumler: “I think the spring is always for growing. Even not being on the team, it is still how can I help the team grow and be better. That is kind of my mindset. I am just very happy to be here and grateful they are allowing me to be here. I am going to give back to the team and just realize I am here to help them but it is always a battle when we play Louisville. Energy is high and you always want to beat the Cards.”

Question: Did you get amped up a few times during the match?
Stumler: “Always for sure against Louisville.”

Question: So where will you be playing professionally overseas next season?
Stumler: “I have. I don’t know legally if I am allowed to say, but it will be a team in France. I am pumped. I will leave sometime in August. I am finalizing some plans and signing some contracts soon and figuring out all the details. Still a lot up in the air.”

Question: How good will the competition be in the league in France?
Stumler: “Even personally I don’t know all the details. There are so many different leagues and championships, so it is a lot to learn even for me. I think it is one of the better teams and leagues. I think in the near future they are hoping to advance to the Champions League which is the very best league. They are pretty close. They just have to win their league this year and hopefully, they will move up. It should be pretty good but I am learning, too, so who knows what I will walk into.”

Question: Are you excited just about life in France?
Stumler: “Oh my goodness, I am excited. I have never been to Europe.”

Question: So how did you pick this team and league in France?
Stumler: “Fully relying on my agent. I signed with him and he helped me as teams started showing interest, he looked at contracts and figured out which teams would be best for me and where I would fit in best based on coaches, past teams. Just relying on him because it is all very foreign to me.”

Question: Will you have off time to travel or will the volleyball schedule consume your time?
Stumler: “I think we will be playing a lot of volleyball. The season goes for eight or nine months, so it is a really long time compared to here. It will be a lot but I think we get a day or two off every week to recover, rehab. That should be nice but definitely a long season.”

Question: How popular is volleyball in France?
Stumler: “Over in Europe, it is really big. They sell out a lot of their games and depending on the level of league you are in the gyms can be really packed.”

Question: Is it scary to think about packing up and moving overseas?
Stumler: “It definitely has moments when it can be a little intimidating. But for the most part, I know UK has prepared me volleyball-wise, education-wise. I feel like I am now more than ever ready to take that next step. I am excited but I know there will be hard times that I wish I was back here in Kentucky in my comfort zone but I think it will be good for me. You can only grow outside your comfort zone, so I am excited to grow and get there and see what things I can learn.”

Question: Do you feel good about the Kentucky team you are leaving behind?
Stumler: “For sure. I think it is a new team and you have to battle through things that aren’t comfortable and people you are not used to playing next to but they have come a long way the last two months. Numbers are not super high but they are working well and are competitive and full of grit, which is what Kentucky is known for. That is going to take them a long way for sure.”