Goddard, Scheitzach are Improved, Ready for 2019

After seeing limited playing time as freshmen, a pair of Kentucky volleyball sophomores are improved in 2019 and ready to contribute to the team this season.

Gabby Goddard and Cameron Scheitzach came to UK last season but played sparingly due to a couple of factors. One of those factors was the players who played in front of them. And Goddard had an added obstacle.

“Last season, it was hard because I got injured in the season,” Goddard said. “So that put a damper on things from the beginning.”

Goddard, a 6-3 middle blocker, was only able to see action on four matches, playing in nine sets overall. The Lexington, Massachusetts, native notched five kills and six total blocks on the season.

UK head coach Craig Skinner likes Goddard’s athletic ability and sees definite potential in her game, largely due to her physical skills.

“Gabby is a ridiculous athlete and phenomenally talented player,” Skinner said. “She came from a region of the country where volleyball is very far behind. So, just learning the speed of the game, learning certain aspects of her position are has taken time.”

Skinner is excited about Goddard’s potential moving forward.

“She’s playing really well in practice right now,” Skinner said. “Her gifts as an athlete will take her wherever she wants to go, so we’re excited to see what she can bring, not only this year, but for the rest of her career.”

Scheitzach faced the prospect of playing behind All-American setter Madison Lilley last season. But the Florida native did not let that deter her contributions to the team.

“I think last season, following Madison and learning from her, I think that was a huge opportunity for my game,” Scheitzach said. “It’s always good when you can compete, and you can raise that competition level for her. We have a really great relationship, on and off the court, and I think that’s really beneficial. I learned that sometimes things don’t go your way, but you do your best and at the end of the day, it’s not about you, it’s about the team.”

Skinner has been impressed with Scheitzach’s game.

“Cam is a really good volleyball player, a very good setter, even better than we thought about her coming in,” Skinner said. “She is another one of those players who is driven to help Kentucky volleyball to be really good.”

Skinner also loves the attitude that Scheitzach brings to the court each day. She earned very high praise from her head coach regarding being a great teammate.

“In Cam’s role last year and to this point in her college career, if I was going to have my daughters look at someone as how to be as a teammate, Cam would be someone I would point to in that way,” Skinner said.

Now, Scheitzach is looking forward to what this team can accomplish in 2019.

“The past is past,” Scheitzach said. “Yes, we were SEC champs, but it’s now a new game. We have an opportunity to prove ourselves. We have to not be caught up in our past accomplishments, it’s a new slate, everyone is 0-0 and we’re excited to get after it.”

Both players are ready to contribute however they can this season.