March 24, 2003

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Julie Gagnon, an outside hitter from Wheaton, Ill., will join the Kentucky Volleyball team in 2003 as a walk-on. Gagnon, who is a senior at Wheaton-Warrenville South High School, joins fall signees Jenni Casper of Louisville, Ky., and Melissa Popp from Indianapolis, Ind.

“I am so pleased with Julie’s decision to join us next fall,” Coach Jona Braden said. “She will bring a contagious enthusiasm and a relentless level of intensity to the gym. She has a deep down heartfelt desire that pushes her to keep reaching higher and go after her dreams. Having Julie join the 2003 recruiting class will add to the growth and strength of this program.”

Gagnon, a 5-10 left-side hitter, was named to the 2002 Illinois High School All-State squad and earned All-Tournament team honors last season after her team finished fourth in the state tournament. She is a two-time unanimous All-Conference selection in 2001 and 2002 and was named the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year in 2002. Gagnon was a Chicago Tribune All-State honorable mention selection as a junior and a senior.

She was named the 2002 Defensive Player of the Year for her team as well as Best Digger, Best Passer and Best Hitter in the last two years.

Gagnon plays club volleyball for the West Suburban Volleyball Club, where her team recently placed third at the Mideast Junior Qualifier. The 2003 club season runs through July.Off the court, Gagnon was named Scholastic All-Conference and is actively involved in her church youth group. She plans to major in elementary education/counseling at Kentucky in the fall of 2003.