Stumler Poised to Have Huge Sophomore Season

When Alli Stumler joined the Kentucky volleyball program last season, neither she nor the coaching staff knew what would lie ahead.

Turns out, no one should have been concerned. Stumler assembled a stellar freshman season, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors and leading the Cats to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. All of that from someone who had no idea whether she would even make it on the court.

“Last year, I wasn’t sure what my role was going to be or whether I would play or not,” Stumler said. “It was real encouraging. It was a great opportunity for me to play.”

The Floyds Knobs, Indiana, native took full advantage of her opportunity. Stumler was second on the team with 257 kills and third on the team in digs, with 248.

“Alli had about as good of a freshman year that you could have in our league,” said UK head coach Craig Skinner. “We knew Alli was a really, really good volleyball player, but we had no idea that she was going to be as physical and hit the ball as hard as she has.”

Rather than being satisfied with her outstanding rookie campaign, Stumler spent the offseason training, putting on muscle weight and getting stronger, something she knew she needed to do.

“Coming in last year, I knew that I would have to focus on gaining muscle weight,” Stumler said. “So, coming in, that was my main thing. I met with the nutritionist a lot and, just in workouts, I was trying to get the most out of it that I could, make sure I’m maintaining my muscle and growing it. I just wanted to be in the best shape possible for this coming season.”

Skinner has been impressed with Stumler’s hard work in the gym.

“Alli’s work ethic is off the charts,” Skinner said. “She’s in the gym all the time, trying to improve herself and the people with her in the gym. For Alli to take on a challenge head on, something she’s never done before, then see the results is an impressive thing.”

Now, Stumler is ready to step into more of a leadership role as a sophomore.

“This year, I hope to grow off of (last year’s success),” Stumler said. “I also hope to step into new leadership roles. I’m excited to not be a freshman anymore and to be able to step into new roles.”

As for her leadership style, Stumler knows what suits her best.

“I’m more of a lead by example type of person,” Stumler said. “I’m really comfortable in doing that and I’m really excited to be able to do that for this team.”

Skinner thinks Stumler is a natural leader.

“She’s a giver, she’s a motivated individual in everything she does,” Skinner said. “But also a very kind, compassionate person. Someone who people really respect because of that.”

If Stumler begins to feel uncomfortable in her new leadership role, she can draw on her experience from the team’s trip to Brazil in May.

“It was, by far, one of my favorite volleyball trips I’ve ever taken,” Stumler said. “One of the main things I took out of it was embracing the culture, but volleyball-wise was just embracing how they played and seeing what I could take from it was awesome. As a team, we had to learn to be comfortable in the uncomfortable.

“We focused on having a positive attitude and positive mindset, where we are growing and learning together, that’s what is going to bring us great success this season,” Stumler said. “At the end of the season, when we’re holding that trophy, (Brazil) is going to be the moment when we all came together.”

If the Cats are to have that kind of success this season, Stumler will be a big reason why.