Emerging Bultema Ready for Another Big Year
Brooke Bultema was a redshirt her first year on the Kentucky campus. But when she got a chance to get on the court last season, the Cincinnati native responded.
Bultema led the team in blocks with 0.99 blocks per set and was third on the team in kills with 217. Ever the team player, Bultema gave her teammates credit for her success.
“From a team standpoint, the team chemistry on the court just felt the closest,” Bultema said of the 2024 Cats. “And I think that just helped us so much on the court. It helped me be my best every day because when you’re around people who believe in you and want the best for you, it makes your job that much easier.”
After having an outstanding redshirt freshman season, expectations have grown for Bultema. She was picked to the 2025 preseason All-Southeastern Conference team, one of four Cats to earn that honor (Brooklyn DeLeye, Eva Hudson, Molly Tuozzo).
Bultema continues to grow on the court and is focusing on trying to become more of a vocal leader this season.
“I’ve always prided myself in, if you want to know the expectation, watch me,” Bultema said. “I’m very much a doer. I’m challenging myself to be more of a vocal leader. We have a lot of vocal leaders on this team, and I think it’s special because everyone has a voice.”
Bultema will be playing alongside two potential first-team All-Americans in DeLeye and Hudson. Bultema admires how two of the best outside hitters in the country go about their business.
“What a blessing. They just elevate everyone around them from a game standpoint and from a character standpoint,” Bultema said. “They just bring out the best in everyone and they’re great teammates to us. They’re vocal leaders but also, just the way they carry themselves in school, on the court and off the court. They work hard and their gifted, so that’s a dangerous combination.”
Bultema also believes that this Kentucky team had an advantage by having its entire roster on campus in the spring.
“When our transfers and our freshmen came in the spring, it’s so unique to have your full roster during that time,” she said. “Having the summertime to just build. It makes the fall that much easier. There’s no getting acquainted. Everybody knows the drill, everybody knows the expectation. I think this year’s going to be really special just because of our bond as a team.”
While she might not get the attention from opponents like her All-American teammates, Brooke Bultema proved last year that she is a factor on both offense and defense.
