Graduate Transfer Meyer Ready to Lead Cats to New Heights
When Leah Meyer decided to transfer from Duke and play her final season of college volleyball at another school, she knew what she was looking for in a new program. When she arrived in Lexington, Meyer knew almost immediately that she had found her new home.
“Really, what brought me here to Lexington was the culture and the atmosphere here at Kentucky,” Meyer said. “I walked on campus and met the coaches and I knew right away that this was somewhere I could see myself. It has a very family-oriented culture, which is something that has been very important to me.”
Adding Meyer is a big deal for the Wildcats, who lost middle blocker Brooke Morgan to graduation after last season. Meyer, who hails from Clarence, New York, has played in parts of four seasons of college volleyball already. She has 920 kills and 441 total blocks in her career thus far. She was named first team All-ACC last season and was 14th in the nation in total blocks (1.44 per set).
UK head coach Craig Skinner likes what he has seen from Meyer so far.
“Leah is another player who has a level of focus and maturity and a business-like mentality,” Skinner said. “She wanted to challenge herself to go to another level as a player. She has really embraced everything that we’ve asked of her. We’ve challenged her and pushed her and she never ceases to want more.”
As for what Meyer specifically brings to the team, Skinner likes her ability to do several things well.
“She has great versatility, she’s very physical at the net, she can hit the ball very hard both off two feet and one foot,” Skinner said. “She has a really good IQ and awareness of what’s happening on the floor, so nothing ever surprises her. The game seems to be in slow motion for her. Just a calming presence that usually takes years and years to gain.”
Meyer knows that her veteran presence can be important for this year’s Kentucky team.
“I bring experience, I’ve played for four years, so I would like to think I’m a little bit more experienced,” Meyer said. “I think I’ll bring some energy and a fresh new face. I want to bring as much energy and excitement and passion as I can to this team.”
In May, Meyer joined her teammates for a tour of Brazil, a trip that included many sightseeing stops, but also competitive volleyball. Meyer was able to bond with her new teammates immediately, both on and off the court, something that she believes will be important to her and the team this season.
“It was incredible. Getting to play in a different country is always a really cool experience,” Meyer said. “But really having the opportunity to build bonds with girls that I may not have had, coming in early, was really awesome. Just having the chance to spend time with the team and get to know each other on a different level was really cool.”
As for her expectations for the Cats this season, Meyer has very high hopes. When asked how good the team could be, the graduate transfer did not hold back.
“Really good,” she said. “Spending the time together this summer has been really beneficial for us. Working out together and spending time together on and off the court. And I think that we have a chance to win a national championship.”
If the 2019 Cats are to reach that pinnacle, Meyer will definitely play a big part in making it happen.
