Despite Success, UK Volleyball's Curry Still Learning

After earning SEC Libero of the Year honors last season as a sophomore, it would be natural for Kentucky volleyball’s Gabby Curry to take a deep breath and enjoy the accolades. But that’s not how Curry is wired. Instead of enjoying what she already has, Curry is focused on getting even more.

Entering her junior season, Curry continues to work hard at her craft, as she has throughout her career.

“Going into every day, in practice, trying to work hard, trying to get better,” Curry says of her goals for this season. “This summer, I took a personal responsibility to get better every day and focus on ‘one percent’. Putting that personal responsibility on myself to be the best I can be.”

What does the “one percent” mean?

“Every practice, every day, I try to get one percent better,” Curry said. “If everybody gets one percent better, we get 15 percent better as a team.”

Curry continues to try to improve her knowledge of the game, and of her skills, on a daily basis.

“I think that’s probably the biggest thing for any volleyball player,” Curry said. “Every day is a learning environment. I think putting emphasis on a learning mentality will allow us to grow and not think we’re too good or not think we’re too bad.”

Curry had an opportunity to learn this summer in South America. Playing with a more experienced Team USA squad, Curry found herself in an unfamiliar spot – on the bench. Rather than worrying about playing time, Curry used the experience as an opportunity to learn.

“This summer, humbling myself and taking a learner role was really important in getting ready for this season,” Curry said. “Madison (Lilley) and I didn’t’ really get to play that much, so we really took on the learner role. Obviously, it’s really hard to be on the bench, but we learned how to encourage our teammates.”

Last season, Curry led the team, and was fourth in the SEC, in digs with 475.

Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner was impressed with what Curry did last season.

“First year starter as libero, and you’re the SEC Libero of the Year,” Skinner said. “That’s really hard to do as a sophomore.”

Skinner loves Curry’s work ethic and drive to improve.

“Gabby puts as much, or more, time in the gym than any player in that position since I’ve been at Kentucky,” Skinner said. “So it’s not by accident that she’s doing the things she’s doing on the floor. Great competitor, great teammate, so the sky’s the limit for her.”

As for this season, Curry and her teammates have high hopes.
“I was telling Madison mid-summer that I think this team can go farther than any other (UK) team,” Curry said. “I really believe that.”

And as for learning, the Cats will have to learn how to deal with being the hunted this season. Kentucky is picked to win the SEC and the Cats are ranked seventh in the nation in the AVCA preseason poll. That’s something that Curry and the Cats will be willing to learn how to deal with.