Bultema, Dailey Ready to Contribute After Redshirt Seasons
The 2023 volleyball season was a tough one for UK freshmen Brooke Bultema and Jordyn Dailey. Both players were redshirted last year, forcing them to watch the action from the sidelines. Bultema admitted that it was a difficult transition.
“It was hard. Coming to a D-I program as high schoolers, we were at the top of our class,” Bultema said. “We were not used to sitting out, but once you get to college, you realize it’s a completely different game. It’s a lot faster, a lot better players. It was definitely a learning curve.”
Dailey, a 6-2 middle blocker from Franklinton, North Carolina, even found herself questioning her abilities early in the season.
“After the first couple of months (of not playing), it took a while to get into the mindset that I’m not bad and I’m not useless,” Dailey said. “I realized that I was still helping my team even by sitting on the bench because I was helping in practice. I found my place without feeling too bad for myself.”
While the duo could have gotten down on themselves, they decided to make the most of their situations. They looked at the redshirt year as a learning experience. Bultema, a 6-3 middle blocker from Cincinnati, made sure to learn both during practice and during matches.
“I want to say the senior leaders from last year, like Azhani Tealer, she really helped me learn the game. Watching her really helped me,” Bultema said. “But also, in practice, challenging the other side so that when they go out there, they can be their best.”
Dailey did whatever she could to help the team last season.
“I learned that it doesn’t matter how small it seems, everything matters,” Dailey said. “Even if it was just grabbing water bottles or handing out towels, everything matters. I think, coming into this season, I’m going to bring that in, that everything matters and it doesn’t matter how small it seems.”
After that year of learning, both Bultema and Dailey are ready to get on the floor in 2024.
“I was super grateful for the opportunity to learn because looking back, it made me a completely better player, a completely better teammate,” Bultema said. “I feel like I’m able to contribute to Kentucky volleyball that much more. Having this opportunity this year, I’m excited to go out and give it all I’ve got.”
Dailey knows what she can bring to this year’s team and she’s driven to show Kentucky fans what she can do.
“Definitely a lot of fire. I’m always yelling and screaming. I make some weird faces and weird sounds. Physically, I just hope I do well, first year out,” Dailey said. “Yes, 100 percent. I don’t want people to think I’m just a freshman. Technically, I’m a sophomore. It drives me in that I don’t want anyone to think they made a mistake putting me back on the court.”
Both players are expected to contribute this season, and they both believe they are better, more mature players after sitting out and learning last season.
