If it feels too good to be true, it usually is. The Kentucky volleyball team felt like a team of destiny, but that destiny did not manifest in a National Championship. Even though the Cats came up one game short of a second title, this special season did unquantifiable good for the program.

Volleyball culture is embedded in the Commonwealth, with successful clubs racking up national titles, but that world is unknown to most sports fans around the state. In 2025, Kentucky hit all the right notes to grow the game.

Casuals turned on their TVs when the Cats jumped out to a two-set lead over top-ranked Nebraska in the opening weekend of the season. Even though it ended with a loss, that performance got plenty of people interested enough to turn on their TVs a week later. They watched the Wildcats sweep Penn State on the night the Defending National Champions hung their title banner.

It was a gauntlet of a schedule, one that produced plenty of dramatic moments. After falling behind 2-1 against Louisville, Kentucky rallied for a five-set rivalry win.

Kentucky owned the SEC for years. When perennial title contender Texas arrived, that dominance was in question. The Cats went on the road and swept the No. 2 team in the country.

It’s not just that they won. This Kentucky volleyball team played an entertaining and inspiring style of volleyball. Brooklyn DeLeye and Eva Hudson created an explosive 1-2 punch on the outside, while Lizzie Carr’s length looked like Spider-Man in the middle. You didn’t have to know ball to have fun watching this team.

As the Cats picked up steam, BBN got behind them in a way that I didn’t think was possible. Craig Skinner stood on a table to ask fans to show up to Historic Memorial Coliseum. He climbed to the rafters of Rupp, went to the top of the tallest building in Lexington, and even hopped in a fighter jet to rally Kentucky fans to support this team.

They showed up in droves and packed Historic Memorial Coliseum to propel Kentucky to the Final Four for just the second time in school history. When fans couldn’t make it to the game, they packed KSBar for watch parties. It was surreal to hear a harmonica playing a fight song in front of a full restaurant late on a weeknight while Kentucky reverse-swept Texas in the SEC Tournament Title.

Just when you thought you couldn’t love this team any more, they did the unthinkable in the Final Four. It’s easy to become jaded by college athletics in the money-driven world of NIL and the transfer portal. This team sacrificed for one another and played together, no matter the circumstances.

Wisconsin looked destined to dominate. Carter Booth was possessed in the middle. A dozen blocks would be a great game for a middle, and she had nearly two dozen. The Cats only scored 12 points in the first set. It didn’t look much better in the second, yet somehow, some way, they rallied under pressure. Brooklyn DeLeye’s defense was outstanding, while Eva Hudson powered the Cats’ offense with nearly 30 kills in a gutsy, five-set win, a victory that will make lifelong Kentucky volleyball fans.

All good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, they could not capitalize on a hot start in the National Championship. After letting the first set slip away, Texas A&M took over. Kentucky did not have one more rally in the tank.

The season ended with a loss, but they won’t be losing much from this team. Eva Hudson was the star, but the only senior on the roster. After making countless new fans, the Kentucky volleyball team will surely give them more reasons to cheer in 2026.

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Lameria Thomas of Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team was named the Atlantic Sun Conference Newcomer of the Week the league announced Monday. 

Thomas made her first start of the season against Illinois-Chicago on Saturday and had an 11-point, 14-rebound performance. The Montgomery, Alabama native shot five of six from the field while picking up one assist and one steal. 

The junior is averaging 5.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this season, with her 11 points and 14 rebounds at UIC being career-highs. 

Thomas and the Govs are back home on Dec. 28 for a 2 p.m. matchup against Berry at F&M Bank Arena. 

Rowan Kage’s first three years at Gainesville High School each offered something different.

A losing record and injury struggles her freshman season. A district title for the first time in a decade with a Division I laden roster her sophomore year. The team lost in the region semifinals in an arduous region. Junior year brought a new coach and roster. It was a remarkable season with another district title, a No. 1 seed…and a first-round playoff upset.

Presbyterian College invites applications for the position of Assistant Coach for Women’s Volleyball. This position is responsible for assisting the Head Coach with all aspects of the Women’s Volleyball program, including recruiting, player development, academic monitoring, operations, and compliance. The successful candidate will contribute to a competitive NCAA Division I program while supporting the academic and personal growth of student-athletes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assist in coaching and instructing the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball program.

Support all recruiting efforts, including evaluating prospective student-athletes, maintaining recruiting records, coordinating campus and home visits, communicating with high school and club coaches, and assisting with admissions processes.

Monitor student-athlete academic progress, including class schedules, study hall, and academic checks.

Assist with monitoring financial aid, squad lists, eligibility forms, and required documentation.

Assist with scouting opponents and preparing match analysis.

Support pre-season and post-season conditioning programs.

Assist in organizing and administering summer volleyball camps.

Coordinate team travel logistics, including pre- and post-game meals, hotel arrangements, and cash advances.

Coordinate and oversee all video exchange and video-related operations.

Operate in full compliance with NCAA, Big South Conference, and Presbyterian College rules and policies.

Attend faculty, college, and athletic department meetings and events as required.

Participate in college and community service initiatives.

Perform additional duties as assigned by the Head Coach.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, and community members.

Ability to supervise, train, and support student workers or support staff.

Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Strong computer and technology skills.

Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team environment.

Knowledge of or ability to stay current with emerging technologies related to video, data, and computing.

Enthusiasm, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in an environment of continual change.

Education and Experience Prior collegiate coaching experience preferred.

Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands Travel, evening, and weekend work required.

Application Procedure Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, current résumé, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references via email to: Human Resources at hr@presby.edu

Qualifications:

Prior collegiate coaching experience preferred.

Strong communication, organizational, and computer skills.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.