Cooper Ready to Lead During Senior Season

As a junior last season, Kentucky volleyball outside hitter Caitlyn Cooper proved that she could overcome adversity. Now, as she begins her senior season with the Wildcats, Cooper is in the process of overcoming a different kind of obstacle.

Last season, Cooper had her ups and downs in her first year in the UK program. But head coach Craig Skinner liked how Cooper handled her business.

“Caitlyn came in and started, then didn’t start for a period of time,” Skinner said. “So, she had to learn how to work through that and she worked through that as well as any teammate would. She prepared herself for her next opportunity.”

By the end of the season, Cooper was a major contributor to the Wildcats’ success. For the season, she had 183 kills, which was fourth on the team. She was also fourth on the squad in blocks with 49.

Skinner was pleased with Cooper’s first season at UK.

“She really had a great first year with us,” Skinner said. “She hit (.336), which is a big number, especially having not played in a league like the SEC.”

Now a senior, Cooper hopes to have a big final season.

“I’m going to just do what I can,” Cooper said. “I’m going to improve on the things I was struggling with at the beginning of the season.”

The Missouri City, Texas, native had an injury and missed most of spring practice, providing another obstacle for Cooper to overcome.

“She had a setback with a stress fracture in the spring and is now getting close to returning full go,” Skinner said. “She’s an elite competitor and someone who really pushes and challenges and is not afraid of the moment. Her fight is something that Kentucky volleyball really benefits from.”

Cooper likes how she is progressing.

“I’m doing a lot better, I’m taking it day by day,” Cooper said. “(Athletic trainer) Katy Poole has helped me a lot during this process, so I’m doing really good.”

As for what she can bring to the team this season, Cooper turned to defense.

“I can bring blocking,” Cooper said. “People say that’s one of the most important skills in volleyball. So if I can bring that, and get good touches on the block, I think that will be a big impact on the team.”

Cooper also believes she is ready to take on more of a leadership role this year.

“I’m getting more comfortable (with leading),” Cooper said. “Craig has been helping the seniors with that throughout the spring. Hopefully I can step up and be a voice on this team.”

Cooper hopes that, behind leadership from herself and the other seniors, this team can make a run at the Final Four.