Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky’s volleyball program celebrated a major milestone this weekend as Brooklyn DeLeye, an outside hitter, was named the SEC Player of the Year. DeLeye’s achievement marks the seventh time a Kentucky player has received this prestigious honor, further solidifying the program’s stature in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Coach Craig Skinner also garnered recognition, being awarded the SEC Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year and the sixth time in his career. Skinner recently notched his 300th career SEC victory during a match against Missouri, showcasing his continuous success and leadership within the program.
The SEC honors were announced on Sunday afternoon, just as the Kentucky volleyball team prepares to host the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Joining DeLeye on the SEC first team is Emma Grome, while sophomore Molly Tuozzo earned a spot on the second team. This marks an impressive streak for the University of Kentucky, as they have produced conference player winners for six of the last seven years, with past recipients including Sarah Rumley and Madison Lillet.
Additionally, freshmen Asia Thigpen and Brooke Bultema have made their mark by being selected for the SEC All-Freshman Team, highlighting the influx of talent in the program and a bright future ahead.
With these accolades, the Kentucky volleyball team continues to demonstrate its dominance in collegiate volleyball, not only through individual player achievements but also as a powerhouse under Skinner’s guidance. As the team gears up for the NCAA Tournament, the honors bring added motivation for the athletes and more anticipation for their performance in the upcoming matches.
