Curry Hopes to Be Next in Line of UK Libero Legacy

During the Craig Skinner Era of Kentucky volleyball, the Wildcats have had unprecedented success at the libero position. In Skinner’s 13 seasons at the helm of the program, Kentucky has produced the SEC Defensive Specialist/Libero of the year on eight occasions.

In the last eight seasons, Kentucky has won the same award seven times with three different players earning the honors during that stretch. Stephanie Klefot won in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Jackie Napper was the winner in 2014, and Ashley Dusek was honored as the SEC Libero of the Year in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Dusek graduated after last season, seemingly leaving a hole in the Wildcats’ defensive back line. But Skinner has a number of players vying for the coveted spot as Kentucky libero.

Sophomore Gabby Curry is among those in competition to fill the role this season. When Dusek was injured at the beginning of the 2017 season, it was Curry who started in her place for the first six matches of the season.

Skinner thinks that his sophomore is definitely up to the challenge of stepping into a very important role.

“She sees herself as the libero, she sees herself and aspires to be an elite player at that position,” Skinner said. “Getting more experience with a different colored jersey on will be important to her.”

The 5-8 Curry watched and learned last season as Dusek, who returned from a knee injury early in the season, racked up her third straight SEC Libero of the Year award. Curry was able to absorb a number of things by observing Dusek, including two very important elements.

“The main things I learned from her were her worth ethic and her attitude,” Curry said. “I learned how to work hard and to always stay positive.”

Curry had a solid freshman season, logging 275 digs, which was second on the team only to Dusek’s 405. Curry played in all 33 matches, recording 17 service aces and 37 assists.

As for the fact that she could be stepping into a position with a ton of history, Curry is not phased and does not feel any pressure.

“I embrace it, anyone in this role would try to embrace it,” Curry said. “I worked hard in the offseason. With all of the preparation I have put in, my confidence comes from that.”

Curry also embraces the outstanding defensive standouts that played the position prior to her arrival in Lexington.

“Playing for the girls before us is something we are really focused on this year,” Curry said. “I keep them in mind a lot.”

As for this year’s team, the confident Curry thinks the sky is the limit for the Wildcats.

“I think we can be really good,” Curry said. “We will miss the seniors from last season, but this year, we have leadership from within. I think that the freshmen are good and we have a lot of good returning players. If they can come in an progress this season, we have a chance at a national title.”

If Curry is able to fill the libero role the way Klefot, Napper and Dusek did, that scenario becomes a more realistic possibility.