April 11, 2002

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky volleyball program has signed middle blocker Amy Kaplan for the 2002 season, Coach Jona Braden announced Thursday. Kaplan rounds out the 2002 recruiting class and will join fellow freshman Danielle Wallace of Point Charlotte, Fla., at UK in the fall.

Kaplan helped lead the Cary-Grove Trojans to the 2001 Fox Valley Conference title and the Illinois State Super Sectional round of 16. The Trojans earned a 36-4 record during Kaplan’s senior season, which saw her earn All-Conference and All-Area honors. She also was named All-State honorable mention by the Chicago Tribune and the Champaign Register. Kaplan was a second-team All-State selection by the Chicago Sun-Times.

She closed her career as the school’s all-time leading blocker with 371 blocks. Last season, Kaplan recorded 187 kills, 196 digs, 27 service aces and 153 blocks. She plays basketball and softball and runs track for the Trojans.

“Amy is quite an athlete,” Braden said. “Her multi-sport experience, combined with her athleticism, will bring so much to our squad. She is a very talented person and will really expand the team’s growth in the middle blocker position.”

Kaplan will debut as a Wildcat at the team’s annual Blue-White scrimmage in August.