Purdue transfers Lizzie Carr, left, and Eva Hudson give UK experience and size/length. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Coach Craig Skinner may have some difficult problems to solve this season.
The Kentucky volleyball team is used to success and has spoiled UK fans with its run of eight straight Southeastern Conference regular-season championships and annual NCAA Tournament team. Skinner also has over 300 wins at Kentucky now.
Skinner might have the best overall cast of players he’s ever had at Kentucky and certainly could have his biggest/tallest team based on what was on display Sunday at Memorial Coliseum. Kentucky was scheduled to have an exhibition game with Ohio University that was cancelled because flooding kept Ohio from making the trip, so Skinner had his players play an intrasquad game.
Not only did it showcase returning players like All-American Brooklyn DeLeye, but also gave fans their first look at Purdue transfers Eva Hudson and Lizzie Carr, two big-time experienced players.
It was also the debut for a trio of true freshmen — Kassie O’Brien, Trinity Ward and Georgia Watson.
Memorial Coliseum had almost as many fans as it would normally have for a regular-season match and probably 300 to 400 fans of all ages lined up for photos/autographs with players after the intrasquad scrimmage.
Watson, a 6-3 outside hitter from Huntley, IL., was more than a bit overwhelmed by the turnout for her collegiate debut.
“I think just in general with the obvious way women’s sports are growing in Kentucky and everywhere around the United States … but it is such an awesome shift for women in sports,” Watson said. “I am so happy to be able to be part of it. Just very, very grateful and so blessed to be here.”
Still, Brown was surprised that so many UK fans came out for an intrasquad matchup in early April.
“I walked in here and I was like, ‘Holy crap. There’s a lot of people here,’” Watson said. Obviously, I’ve never played in front of that many people, and it can be nerve wracking, but I think everyone did a really good job at keeping us grounded. It was just so much fun.”
And with the depth and size that Skinner has on this team, expect the entire season to be a lot of fun.
UK Volleyball
Photos by Vicky Graff
