Competitive Kassie O’Brien is Getting an Early Start on her UK Career

Kassie O'Brien Photo

Kentucky volleyball has added three big-time transfers — Lizzie Carr and Eva Hudson of Purdue and Molly Berezowitz of Marquette — for its 2025 team to help replace what coach Craig Skinner lost off last season’s Elite Eight team.

However, there is also one other newcomer on campus — true freshman setter Kassie O’Brien of Texas, a high school All-American, who had over 4,000 assists during her prep career. She will compete to fill the spot of Emma Grome, a multiple All-American and 2022 SEC Player of the Year who played in every set for four years.

“I knew that I wanted to play at the highest level I could. I stepped on campus, talked to the coaches and everyone made me feel so welcome. I could picture myself there, so I committed to Kentucky,” the 6-1 O’Brien said.

She remembered watching current UK assistant coach Madison Lilley play on Kentucky’s 2020 national championship team when she was named the nation’s most outstanding player because of her play at setter.

“When I found out she would be one of the coaches I was so pumped because she was not on the staff when I first committed,” O’Brien said.

Skinner said O’Brien asked early in the recruiting process if she could enroll early at Kentucky, a rarity for volleyball players. She wanted to do that in part hoping she might be able to work with and learn from Grome.

“I watched her play all I could this season. The way she moves the ball and interacts with teammates on the court is phenomenal,” the UK freshman said.

Her two older sisters, Madalyn and Courtney, both played college volleyball. Madalyn played at Texas Tech while Courtney played one year at Tech before transferring to Florida International where she will be a senior next season.

“They both graduated early to go to college so that gave me the idea,” O’Brien said. “Getting up there early will give me time to get used to college life, meet all my teammates and train in the offseason with my team.

“Being the baby, I grew up around the game. I sat and watched their club and high school games waiting for my turn. I could ask them questions and learn. That’s why when they told me enrolling early would really help,  I knew that is what I needed to do.”

She said her sisters never made her play volleyball but watching them made her want to play. She did try basketball and swimming.

“I was too aggressive when I played basketball,” she said. “My sisters would get me out on the driveway every day and hammer me with kills. I guess it made me tougher so in fifth grade I went full volleyball. I kept playing basketball in junior high but volleyball was my game.

“My sisters made me strong. They are a big part of the player I am today because they pushed me to be the best.  I wanted to be like them. My parents helped lay the foundation  and set the examples that helped shape me into the person I am today.”

O’Brien has lofty aspirations. Her goal is to be a starter at Kentucky next season but she’ll have to compete with redshirt sophomore Ava Sarafa — who had two years working with Grome — for the spot.

“I know nothing is guaranteed and I will have to work for it. But that’s my goal,” she said.  “My ultimate goal is to play professionally. I’d love to play for the USA Team someday as well.”

O’Brien describes herself as “very competitive” but also enjoys having fun and bringing energy to a match.

“I want to hype up my teammates and as a setter put them in the best position they can be,” she said. “I consider myself a physical player, too. I love blocks, big digs, and hustle plays. All of it excites me.”