Middle blocker Brooke Bultema, right, has a work ethic that coach Craig Skinner loves. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Middle blocker Brooke Bultema, a 6-foot-3 redshirt sophomore, led Kentucky in blocks with 0.99 per set last year and was third on the team in kills with 217. She hopes to improve both sets of numbers this season but knows having the right chemistry with teammates last year led to her success.
Others have high expectations for her also because she was named to the preseason All-Southeastern Conference team by the league coaches along with teammates Brooklyn DeLeye, Eva Hudson and Molly Tuozzo.
“If there is a picture of work ethic then Brooke’s name would be next to it because of her dedication to getting better,” UK coach Craig Skinner said. “She has improved her explosiveness and quickness off the ground. She’s been hitting the crap out of the ball. No way will she ever stop improving.”
Bultema likes challenges and exceeding expectations.
“I’m very much a doer and always have been. This season I want to be more of a vocal leader and have a voice to help this team,” she said.
She knows having DeLeye, a returning All-American, and Hudson, a Purdue transfer, will help her. Both are on preseason watch lists for national player of the year.
“They just elevate everyone around them with their play and character. They push you to be the best with the way they handle themselves on and off the court,” Bultema said. “They are very gifted players but they also both work really hard and that’s a dangerous combination.”
