Steady, Versatile Franklin a Force for UK Volleyball
There may not be a more undervalued player in America than Kentucky middle blocker Emily Franklin. While she doesn’t get a large share of the attention for the sixth-ranked Wildcats, Franklin has proven to be an integral part of Kentucky’s success this season.
Franklin, a fifth-year senior from Mesa, Arizona, proved her worth again on Sunday as Kentucky topped South Carolina 20-25, 25-15, 25-22, 25-16 at Memorial Coliseum.
Franklin’s numbers were not devastating, but they were effective. She had 11 kills and just two errors in 20 attempts (.450) in the match, reaching double figures in kills for the sixth time this season and the 15th time in her career. She added four block assists and two service aces as Kentucky moved its record to 20-3 on the season, including an 11-1 mark in SEC play.
“She was ‘big-time Frank’ today,” said Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner. “We call her ‘big-time Frank’ when she plays like that. Emily is very versatile offensively as a middle. She can hit behind the setter, in front of the setter, away from the setter. She can hit cross-body and wrist-away and is a great read blocker. She served really well today, too. Emily had a great match.”
Franklin knows that her versatility can be a weapon.
“We work on it every day in practice,” Franklin said of her various roles. “I do a lot of serving reps, I dig balls all the time, I do everything.”
Entering this week, Franklin was second in the SEC and 11th in the nation in hitting percentage (.423). Franklin is currently fifth in UK history in hitting percentage during the 25-point rally scoring era (.332). She also ranks 10th in the SEC in blocks per set.
Franklin has recorded at least five kills in 20 of Kentucky’s 23 matches this season, in spite of the fact that she’s just fourth on the squad in total attacks. Only Leah Edmond, who has at least five kills in 21 matches this season, has been more consistent (Kaz Brown also has at least five kills in 20 matches this season). Skinner is not surprised by Franklin’s steady effort.
“That’s Emily, she’s consistent every day in what she does,” Skinner said. “You never notice if she’s having a good day, a bad day off the court, school-wise. She comes with her hard hat on ready to work every day. I’ve always been pleased to coach Emily.”
Franklin thinks she knows why she is able to give that consistent effort.
“I think experience, it’s my fifth year,” Franklin said. “I’ve been in the game for a long time, I have a good volleyball IQ.”
Franklin’s versatility and consistency are proving to be big factors for a Kentucky team that continues to have a special season.
