Leading up to Kentucky’s season-opener on August 29, we asked each member of the team what Kentucky Volleyball meant to them. Next up is senior and Kentucky native Lauren O’Conner:
“To me, Kentucky Volleyball means commitment. Commitment to the program, the university and to each other. Committed to making each other better in order to reach our goals, which are to win the SEC and the national championship.”
Senior Lauren O’Conner, one of two players from Kentucky, is a three-time All-SEC Academic Team honoree and was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team in 2011. The outside hitter played in 30 matches last season with 13 starts and amassed 220 kills, the fourth-highest total on the team to go along with 51 blocks and eight service aces. From Taylor Mills, Ky., O’Conner’s 2013 highlights included a career-high-tying 18 kills on .389 hitting in UK’s upset win over No. 4 Minnesota in addition to a career-best six blocks, a season-high five digs and 11 kills in Kentucky’s win at Alabama.
Preseason Team Update: August 17, 2014
The Wildcats welcomed some of their season ticket-holders to an open practice and picnic this afternoon. After the two-hour practice, the team hosted a question-and-answer session and invited the fans to their post-practice team dinner.
It was a great opportunity for the student-athletes and staff to connect with some of the most loyal members of the Big Blue Nation and thank them for their support. The fans had fun too, getting an inside look at how the team is training for the upcoming season and getting to know the team off the court.
Great day with our closest fans and booster club. Thank you for all your support!! #UKVB #one pic.twitter.com/93bUyGGClT
— Craig Skinner (@UKCoachSkinner) August 17, 2014
@UKCoachSkinner thanks for the great day. Really enjoyed watching the practice again. Hopefully you will make this an annual.
— stan schofer (@cthefuture) August 17, 2014
For an archive of previous “What Kentucky Volleyball Means to Me” entries and team updates throughout the preseason, follow along with the full Countdown to 2014 UK Volleyball, leading up to the August 29 season-opener. Additional updates throughout preseason practice can be found on Twitter at @KentuckyVB and on Instagram at @KentuckyVolleyball.
