In a crucial Southeastern Conference matchup against Missouri, the Kentucky volleyball team was faced with the absence of senior standout Reagan Rutherford due to injury. However, the Cats found solace in the exceptional performance of their freshman star, Brooklyn DeLeye, who stepped up to fill the void and led her team to a three-set sweep against the Tigers.
Hailing from Topeka, Kansas, DeLeye displayed her prowess on the court, recording 20 kills on 44 swings and achieving a .318 hitting percentage for the match. In addition to her offensive contributions, she also contributed six digs, an assist, an ace, and a block assist.
DeLeye’s impressive performance marked the seventh consecutive match in which she reached double digits in kills and the 16th such match this season. It was also her third time recording at least 20 kills in a single match. Throughout the season, DeLeye has consistently displayed outstanding volleyball skills, particularly during conference play, which she attributes to a crucial turning point.
When asked about the moment she felt something clicked, DeLeye said, “Honestly, I think it was when we started SEC play. Something really clicked that showed me that I needed to really step it up for the team. I took it personal to do that for us.”
Kentucky’s head coach, Craig Skinner, was aware of the adjustments DeLeye would have to make, considering her transition from high school sports to the college game. However, he has witnessed her dedication and hard work pay off.
“Just getting accustomed to the college game,” Skinner explained. “She didn’t play at an elite club level but to play all kinds of sports in high school then come at this level, it’s an adjustment. We have to learn what the speed of the game is like, what the power is like, how to hit edges of the court but you don’t get to that point if you don’t put the effort and work into it and Brooklyn does.”
While DeLeye led Kentucky in kills, she was not alone in shouldering the offensive load. Senior Elise Goetzinger contributed 11 kills, while Erin Lamb added 10, showcasing the team’s collective effort.
Kentucky got off to a strong start, winning the first six points of the match and breezing through the first two sets. DeLeye played a pivotal role early on, tallying seven kills in the first set. As the season has progressed, DeLeye has admitted to finding more enjoyment in the game, crediting her growing comfort with her teammates as a contributing factor.
“I’m getting more comfortable with the team and the girls,” DeLeye stated.
With their sights set on a seventh straight SEC title, Coach Skinner understands the key to their continued success: hard work.
“It’s hard work,” Skinner acknowledged. “It’s tough to respond in those situations. We set out at the beginning of the year to be our best at the end of the season. It’s an expectation to keep working and improve.”
DeLeye’s remarkable improvement, driven by her relentless work ethic and perseverance, is paying off in significant ways for both her and her team.
