Aug. 22, 2011

In the days leading up to UK’s first match of 2011, UKathletics.com will provide tidbits and a breakdown of UK’s players by position.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – UK’s defensive back line will be anchored by the reigning SEC Libero of the Year in Stephanie Klefot. The Wildcats also have sophomore Jessi Greenberg back who appeared in 27 matches in her first-season. Freshmen Jackie Napper and Jessy Hoeschler provide the Wildcats with an arsenal of tough-nosed back line players.

“I think we will be a very good defensive team,” Kentucky coach Craig Skinner said. “I think we have a nod in that area with experience of returning players and also adding Jackie Napper who was a high school All-American. The “Jessies” so to speak, just have the mindset that the ball is not going to hit the floor. One of our goals it to be a team that holds opponents to low hitting percentages, and I think we are going to be able to do that well.”

Stephanie Klefot, Junior
• Tabbed the SEC Libero of the Year in 2010
• Averaged 4.31 scoops per set in her first season as a full-time starter
• Has tallied 20 or more digs in a match on 12 occasions
• Seen action in 64 career matches
• Career-high total of 29 scoops came in an upset of No. 15 LSU to help propel UK to the NCAA Tournament a season ago

Jessi Greenberg, Sophomore
• Appeared in 27 matches as a true freshman and made nine starts
• Averaged 1.51 digs per set
• Posted a career-high of nine digs on five different occasions for UK, including a comeback win at Georgia
• Second-team High School All-American

Jackie Napper, Freshman

• All-America defensive specialist from Louisville, Ky.
• Seven-time club team National Champion
• Led Assumption High School to a state championship
• Two-time All-State performer

Jessy Hoeschler, Freshman
• 2011 Junior AAU National Champion with club squad
• High school MVP and a three-year letterwinner
• Club squad was ranked among the top-three in the nation
• Also lettered in track and field