Kentucky fans were able to get autographs and meet UK players at the Volleyball Fan Day Saturday. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Craig Skinner knew Kentucky volleyball fans would love getting to meet his players at UK Volleyball Fan Day Saturday in Memorial Coliseum.
“They are all awesome kids with the enthusiasm they have for life and how excited they are for other kids,” said Skinner. “They love being around young aspiring athletes in any sport. We have kids from all walks of life that I think fans can really identify with.”
Kentucky fans can see the volleyball team in action this Saturday at 5 p.m. in an exhibition match against Ohio State in Memorial Coliseum. Kentucky’s home opener will be Sept. 13 against SMU at 3 p.m. and the Cats will host Houston Sept. 14 at 2 p.m.
Skinner believes his team has made significant “strides” compared to spring exhibition matches with Illinois and Louisville.
“Our offensive connection between attackers and setters is better. Our blocking is better. Our serving is more consistent,” Skinner said. “I respect the players for the work they put in this summer. Several have come a long way.”
Kentucky will have two of the most potent hitters — junior All-American Brooklyn DeLeye and Purdue transfer Eva Hudson — in the SEC.
“Eva is one of the most complete attackers I have ever coached,” Skinner said. “She can hit with range, hit with power, see the defense well, and can elevate and hit shots over blockers,” the Kentucky coach said. “She is just an elite player and high IQ attacker, more on the side of a power attacker.
“Brooklyn can hit the crap out of the ball but has more tools to manufacture kills if the execution breaks down. Eva overpowers you with angles and heat. They are both special talents at their position.”
Kentucky has been picked by the SEC coaches to win — or share — a ninth straight conference championship. However, that once again puts a huge target on the Cats.
“Definitely teams aspire to do what Kentucky volleyball has done but you are always chasing someone and someone is always chasing you,” Skinner said. “It has been a challenge to stay at the top of the SEC.
“Everybody is going after the top kids and the pool at that level gets smaller. You have got to separate yourself. First and foremost, we want to look forward to coaching the kids that you have and that will never change. I will sacrifice elite talent for high character.”
However, Skinner has a knack for getting both elite talent and high character — and that’s how you win eight straight SEC championships.
UK Volleyball Fan Day
Photos by Vicky Graff
