Lexington Celebrates Volleyball Honors
Lexington, KY – The University of Kentucky volleyball team has made headlines following significant individual honors awarded to its players and coach following an impressive season. Outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye has been named the SEC Player of the Year, marking a proud moment for the Wildcats as she becomes the seventh player from Kentucky to achieve this recognition. Meanwhile, Craig Skinner, the head coach of the Wildcats, has been named the SEC Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Notable Awards and Recognitions
The honors were announced on Sunday afternoon, with both DeLeye and Skinner receiving accolades that reflect their outstanding contributions to the team. DeLeye will be joined by teammate Emma Grome on the Conference First Team, while sophomore Molly Tuozzo earned recognition on the Second Team. This marks the sixth time in seven years that a Kentucky player has garnered the SEC Player of the Year title, with previous recipients such as Sarah Rumley and Madison Lillet also having earned the honor.
Skinner’s Milestones
In addition to the individual achievements, this year stands out for Coach Skinner, who has now won the Coach of the Year award six times throughout his career. He recently celebrated his 300th career SEC win during a match on Wednesday against Missouri, further solidifying his legacy within the program. Skinner’s leadership has been instrumental in Kentucky’s success over the years, making a profound impact on the team’s performance.
Fresh Talent Recognized
The season has also seen the inclusion of first-year players as part of the recognition—Asia Thigpen and Brooke Bultema have both been selected for the SEC All-Freshman Team. Their performance throughout the season has added agility and strength to the team, indicating a promising future for Kentucky volleyball.
Looking Ahead: NCAA Tournament
As recognition and celebrations fill the air, Kentucky volleyball is gearing up to host the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. This critical juncture in the season positions the team for a strong showing in front of home fans, who have supported the Wildcats through thick and thin. The combination of seasoned players and fresh talent aims to create a powerful team dynamic as they compete for national recognition.
Conclusion
The achievements of Brooklyn DeLeye and Craig Skinner, alongside the recognition of Emma Grome and other talented players, underscore Kentucky’s dominance in the sport. As the team prepares for the NCAA Tournament, fans and supporters eagerly anticipate an exciting continuation of what has already been a successful season. The Wildcats, with their rich history of accolade-winning talent, are poised to leave a mark as they advance in the tournament.
