LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX18) — The road to a ninth straight SEC championship is underway for Kentucky Volleyball. The Wildcats gave Big Blue Nation a first look at this year’s squad during Saturday morning’s annual Blue-White scrimmage.
Head coach Craig Skinner, who has guided Kentucky to eight consecutive league titles, says the team’s success will come down to execution and keeping the ball off the floor. He added that practices have been intense, with players competing for positions and pride in the Kentucky name across their chest.
Good morning from HMC! It’s a beautiful day for some @KentuckyVB 🤩🏐
— Hannah Hamelback (@hhamelbackTV) August 16, 2025
We’ll have all the Blue-White scrimmage and Fan Day content on @LEX18News at 6 and 11! 🔵⚪️@BBNTonight pic.twitter.com/3eHDpRILIy
Much of the early spotlight is on offensive stars Eva Hudson and Brooklyn DeLeye. Skinner said their ability to terminate plays makes the duo the team’s greatest weapon, while their balance between attacking and presence at the net could make them nearly unstoppable.
At setter, sophomore Ava Sarafa impressed with her consistency in delivering clean looks, while freshman Kassie O’Brien grew into her role as the scrimmage went on, showing poise and confidence in her first appearance.
Back inside HMC 🤩🥳 pic.twitter.com/DFJbqJ2YNd
— Kentucky Volleyball (@KentuckyVB) August 16, 2025
Following the scrimmage, fans filled Memorial Coliseum for Kentucky Volleyball’s annual Fan Day. Big Blue Nation had the chance to meet players, take photos, and get autographs. Players and coaches alike said the turnout was a reminder of how meaningful the program’s fan support is, and how much fun it is to share that excitement before the season officially begins.
There’s nothing like #BBN 💙💙 pic.twitter.com/wNiN5PNs71
— Kentucky Volleyball (@KentuckyVB) August 16, 2025
Kentucky enters the 2025 season once again as the SEC favorite — with its eyes firmly set on extending the championship streak to nine.
The Cats return to the court on Aug. 23, hosting Ohio State in a free exhibition match at 5 p.m. inside Historic Memorial Coliseum. Kentucky’s regular season officially begins a week later in Nashville, when the Wildcats face Lipscomb on Aug. 30.
BBN Gameday is a weekly show, airing Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. on LEX 18, statewide on UK Sports Network affiliate stations, and all the time here on BBNGameday.com.
You can also join us on weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on BBN Tonight.
