Kentucky Volleyball Announces 2018 Recruiting Class

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky volleyball head coach Craig Skinner announced the completion of the 2018 recruiting class on Tuesday. Middle blocker Gabby Goddard (Lexington, Massachusetts), setter Cameron Schietzach (Orlando, Florida), outside hitter Alli Stumler (Floyd Knobs, Indiana) and libero Lauren Tharp (Louisville, Kentucky) will all join the Wildcats as freshmen next year. Caitlyn Cooper (Missouri City, Texas) will join as a junior college transfer. Cooper originally signed with the 2016 class. 

The class features two American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour All-Americans and one ranked among the top-100 seniors by Prep Volleyball. The signees have won at high levels, combining for four state championships and multiple AAU National Championships.

“This class fills our needs in each position,” Skinner said. “Their skill and volleyball IQ is as high as any class we have brought in. This group of four has completely bought into our culture of success and leadership. They are so ready to be a part of Kentucky volleyball.”

Gabby Goddard – Middle Blocker – Lexington, Massachusetts – Lexington High School
– Played for SMASH Volleyball club under coach Gary Patch
– Region 1 Under-Armour All-Star, Region HP Team
– Middlesex League All-Star in 2016
– Four-year letterwinner
– League leader in blocks per set

Cameron Scheitzach – Setter – Orlando, Florida – Bishop Moore Catholic School
– Played for 18 South Rox Red Team club under coach Tom Snodgrass
– Won back-to-back Florida State Championships
– AAU Academic All-American
– 2016 and 2017 High Performance USAV International Youth Champions
– 2013 AAU National Champion

Alli Stumler – Outside Hitter – Floyd Knobs, Indiana – Christian Academy of Indiana
– Played for Union in club under coach Eric Garvey
– Second-team Under Armour All-America
– No. 38 in Prep Volleyball’s senior aces
– 2015 Indiana state champion
– State finalist in 2014, 2015 and 2017
– 2014 and 2017 AAU National runner-up
– National Honor Society member 
– Indiana 2A Volleyball Mental Attitude Award Winner

Lauren Tharp – Libero – Louisville, Kentucky – Mercy Academy
– Played for MAVA under Dan Palmer
– Third-team Under Armour All-America
– 2017 All-State, All-Region in 2016 and 2017
– 2014 State champion and 2017 state runner-up
– National Honor Society member