Kentucky Volleyball Thriving Amid Lofty Expectations
The Kentucky volleyball team was picked to win the SEC regular season title prior to the 2018 season. While some teams, especially those who have not regularly been in such a position, might have shied away from the lofty expectations, the Wildcats fully embraced them.
On Sunday, Kentucky clinched at least a share of the SEC volleyball title by beating Missouri in straight sets in Columbia. The Wildcats have two chances left to claim the title outright, visiting South Carolina on Wednesday night before hosting Auburn in Saturday’s season finale.
UK head coach Craig Skinner and his staff welcomed the preseason expectations and have continually challenged this year’s team to get better every day, especially after an 0-3 start to the season.
“That is the expectation of our program and that is the expectation of our staff,” Skinner said. “We expect to compete for a championship every year. That is what motivates us each and every day to improve.”
When Kentucky clinched a share of the SEC title last season, there was an enormous amount of elation and celebrating around the program. It was UK’s first conference title in 29 years, and the Wildcats made sure to soak in every moment of reaching that goal.
In 2018, the vibe has been much different. The Cats have left no doubt that they are the best team in the conference, and they set out to prove that every time they play. Kentucky has dominated the SEC this season, losing only five sets in 16 matches. Including Sunday’s match, Kentucky has now swept each of its last eight opponents on its way to the school’s seventh SEC championship, and first back-to-back SEC titles since 1987 and 1988.
Skinner was impressed with his team’s performance in such an important match on Sunday.
“Today was just an amazing offensive performance with a championship on the line,” Skinner said. “This team continues to impress us with their relentless commitment to improve. We still have a ways to go, but we won this championship with our work ethic and drive.”
After reaching the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight last season, this year’s Wildcats wanted to build on that legacy, making conference titles and deep tournament runs the rule rather than the exception. Those are the new expectations for the Kentucky volleyball program. That attitude comes from the team’s leaders, including All-American setter Madison Lilley, who says the Wildcats are enjoying the fruits of their labor.
“I think that every day when we practice and when we work hard, this is what we are working towards,” Lilley said. “We hold ourselves and our teammates accountable so that moments like this are possible.”
Lilley also knows that the Wildcats have plenty to play for this season.
“We set the bar very high as a program and we don’t settle for anything less than that,” Lilley said. “It’s exciting to win the SEC Championship today, but we are not done yet.”
Embracing expectations and dominating conference opponents have been the themes of the 2018 Kentucky volleyball team. A deep postseason run can continue to establish a new identity for Kentucky as one of the nation’s best volleyball programs.
