June 5, 2013

LEXINGTON, Ky – Kentucky volleyball coach Craig Skinnerhas secured a top-25 recruiting class according to PrepVolleyball.com. UK’s three-member class of 2013 is ranked as the No. 24 class in the nation as rated by the website. In the past eight seasons, Skinner has turned in a top-30 recruiting class on seven occasions.

Kentucky signed three highly-touted attackers in middle blocker/outside hitter Sharay Barnes (Swarthmore, Pa.), middle blocker Emily Franklin (Mesa, Ariz.) and outside hitter Anni Thomasson (Newark, Ohio) during the fall signing period.

Franklin is a 6’4 middle blocker who was an all-state performer. PrepVolleyball lists Franklin as the No. 47 overall player in the class. The site points to her agility as a reason she will fit seamlessly into UK’s traditional system built around blocking and defense.

Thomasson is a 6’0 outside hitter who is a two-time all-state performer. She started every match of her high school career and holds school records for digs and kills. Thomasson, who is rated as the No. 60 Senior Ace, is noted as a true six-rotation player and has the ability to make everyone around her better.

Barnes is a 6’2 athlete who can play either the outside hitter or middle blocker position. She is a two-time all-state performer. PrepVolleyball lists her as an elite athlete who has flown under the radar, but the site believes has the potential to be a steal in the class. The site likens her style of play to current UK All-America player Whitney Billings.

Visit UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information on the Kentucky volleyball team and all 22 varsity sports.