Vicky Graff Photo
Former UK defensive lineman Ricky Lumpkin returned to Kentucky as an academic counselor in 2018 and worked with the football team until this season. Now he advises the volleyball and stunt teams.
“The girls are great but they do have stress just like any other student-athlete even though a lot of people don’t understand that,” said Lumpkin. “They worry about grades and getting into medical school and graduate school. They probably stress out more than football players to be honest.
“Most of them want to go to grad school and know they have to get really good grades to attend the school of their choice for graduate school. They are all very smart, very intelligent.”
Lumpkin knows some of the volleyball players likely will have a chance at professional careers because of the talent coach Craig Skinner has on his team. He notes that the stunt team has also been national runner-up.
“These girls have aspirations and goals just like football and basketball players,” Lumpkin said. “People just do not know all the things that they give up to be an athlete. You get stuff but you give up a lot.
“I can be tough on athletes if needed and have some real conversations with them about what they have to do. They can see in my face and voice when it is time to get serious but I really do love working with them.”
