Azhani Tealer Continues to Handle Tall Tasks

College is a time of transition for nearly everyone. And while Kentucky junior Azhani Tealer is going through the same transitions as everyone else, she also made a huge transition on the volleyball court.

Tealer, a junior from Grand Prarie, Texas, made the transition last season to the middle blocker position. To some, this may seem like a small feat but at just 5-10, this is a much taller task for Tealer.

“My teammates and my coaches made it easier for sure,” Tealer said.  “(Having) one of the best coaches in the country there to help made it an easier transition and it is continuing to go really well.”

The average Division I middle hitter is well above six feet tall, and, at the Power Five level, players in that position average near the 6-4 range. But Tealer is able to command the net despite what seems like a height disadvantage. 

“Dominating girls that are a foot taller than me is really fun,” Tealer said. But it seems Tealer is having more than just fun with her hitting percentage at .433 she is redesigning the traditional look of the middle position.

Tealer’s unique pregame routine could help provide that incredible power at the net. Tealer takes it to the next level with her pregame snacks.

“For home games I just eat a bunch of fruit snacks before the game,” Tealer said. “On the road I love applesauce, the pouches, the cups are over.”

The snacks before each match may change, but one thing for Tealer always remains the same.

“For every game I have to wear a headband,” Tealer said. “I can’t play the sport without one. I don’t know how to play volleyball without a headband.”

Tealer was wearing her signature headband last year as the Wildcats claimed the National Championship. She says the team still reflects on the National Championship nearly every day.

“It’s like ‘remember when that happened’ in Omaha,” Tealer said. “We’re still celebrating but kind of trying to flip the page.” 

As a junior, Tealer has now taken on more of a leadership role. As she said, “people are looking to me” for experience and guidance on the court both during games and in practice. 

Tealer is hopeful for this year’s young Kentucky team. “(It’s like we have) nine freshman on the team because the sophomores never went on a road trip,” Tealer said.

“(The team is) definitely making big strides already and it’s so cool to see that,” Tealer said. “They have a lot of room to grow.”

As the Wildcats head into Wednesday’s game against Mississippi State, the Cats are undefeated in conference play.

Tealer says the team is “pulling things that worked for us last year in leadership ways and on the court” to get them back in the National Championship conversation again this season. If that is to happen, Tealer will play a key role in getting the Cats to that point.