Kentucky Volleyball 2026 Season Preview: Players Discuss Goals, Team & Expectations

Reagan discussed the team's mentality regarding effort and the high standards set by the coaching staff for Kentucky Volleyball 2026 . She noted, “Effort plays like all those things that you're doing that's not necessarily touching the ball. I feel like he harps on more. So like if you're not doing that, I feel like he could get upset at a lot about effort.” She added, “I feel like if you're not doing that, I feel like he might get on you. But that's also like you should be doing that regardless if you're a competitor.” When asked if she had ever gotten on the bad side of a Kentucky volleyball coach because of effort, Reagan responded, “I don't think I have. I'm I try to harp on myself too, like holding myself to that standard of always just going all out. Um, every point is an opportunity, so using that even in practice.” The conversation then shifted to the team's potential and depth. “I'm really excited. Yeah, I don't know. I guess we'll find out this year,” she said regarding the team's prospects, and when asked about having too much talent, she replied, “No, I think that's just also a good problem to have. Um it's Craig always talks about like it's so good when it's so hard for the head coach to make decisions on playing time. So um we're doing our job every day in the gym to make it so hard for him to make that big time decision. So making sure like we're pushing everyone to get better and just fighting um to like get our role that we want this year.”

Reagan also reflected on receiving championship rings in June, saying, “Yeah, you know, it's always really cool and such a cool opportunity to get those because not a lot of people get those in the country. So, um it definitely was kind of like when we saw that we got that big ring for runner up, it was like dang it, like imagine if we actually would have won it. So, um using that to our advantage this year because we definitely want it to say something different next year. Um, so yeah, it's always really cool, but um, definitely having that in the back of our mind going into this Kentucky volleyball season 2026.” Regarding her personal accolades and goals, she stated, “Yeah, you know, I'm not too worried about the individual accolades. Um, definitely want the team to go all the way to the final four again and hopefully win that national championship. Um but making sure we're just also going one game at a time because um it is a team sport. So like I'm not the only one out there. Yes, I've had some awards in the past, but that's not just like on myself. Like I've had amazing setters, amazing passers getting them the ball. So um truly is a team effort all the time. Um but yeah, just like wanting to accomplish more of a team thing this year.”

The interview also covered the demanding Kentucky volleyball schedule 2026, with Reagan expressing excitement about the challenges. “Yeah, I mean it's going to be my fourth year with this crazy schedule, so nothing much of a surprise to me, but I honestly like it. I take it as an opportunity to just learn early on in the season of what you need to work on and um what you need to get better at because it helps you down the road and when you get into the tournament.” She specifically mentioned the unique venues, adding, “Yeah, I think that's just a cool way to just face adversity because Wrigley Field you're outside. you don't know what that's going to entail. I've never played indoor outside before. Um so using that to just be better than the other team on that given day. Um and also the Bahamas just like using that as just such a crazy opportunity for the sport of Kentucky volleyball as a whole and just um definitely being grateful that we're in that position.”

When discussing new teammate Morgan, known as “Mama,” Reagan said, “Morgan. Yes. um she just brings a different level like um she just is one of those players that you just want to have on your side of the court at all times because she is so fearless at the net and she just touches an insane height. Like she's tall, but she also just works really hard to like work the edges of the block. Um so it definitely is helping me like get better when I'm going against her because you have to or she's just going to score every time. So, u I'm super excited for her to be on my side of the court. Um, and just like hopefully that we can push each other to get better this year.” On the nickname, she explained, “She I don't remember. She came in and Morgan like usually two syllables is pretty long in our gym. So, I don't know who came up with that, but she like doesn't like Morg um which is like a typical like Morgan nickname. But I don't know who came up with that, but that was like pretty much like first week here we came up with that.”

Reagan also praised setter Cassie, noting, “Yeah, you know, I'm just super proud of how hard she's worked. Um, sometimes you guys don't get to see what she does outside of like media and like the camera, but she's just one of the hardest workers on the team and has truly worked like not only from like a skill standpoint, but also like a conditioning standpoint. Like she does not want to be last in anything that we do, whether that's summer workouts or just in the gym. So, um, she's just made tremendous lot strides and just like getting the ball in the perfect spot for the hitter. like you can just tell a big difference from like freshman year Cassie to like going into sophomore year which is really cool. Um because she was so good last year and going into this year she just wants to make sure that she can do everything she can to make her hitters in the best place possible.” Reflecting on the team's composition, she stated, “Yeah. Um I think just the depth that we have this year has definitely been an opportunity for everybody in their position group to get better because you have like I mean there's like five outside. So everybody's working to push the next person to get even better. Um, and that's just goes across the whole board and every position group. So, um, I think that's definitely helped us, but also like last year we lost a couple pieces going into this year, but I think we've done a good job of replacing those. Obviously, you can't replace people, but you can definitely try to fill gaps and just make everyone feel comfortable to be themselves.”

She addressed her own recovery from injury, saying, “Yeah. Um, you saw today I wasn't in my leg sleeve. So, that's definitely been Yeah, that's definitely been fun. I feel the best that I've ever have since having the injury. I can officially jump without any pain, which was definitely not the case last year. Um, but yeah, just like shout out to all the trainers and even the Kentucky volleyball coaches that have worked through it with me because we definitely took our time with it cuz sometimes you can get back in like a month, but I think it took me a couple months to get back just because in the spring you're not really trying to fight to get back for anything. So, um, definitely feel really good about it and kind of feel like myself again.”

Emma also shared her thoughts on the upcoming Kentucky volleyball season 2026, saying, “I mean again talking with all the seniors like it's just kind of lit a fire under us to finish that this year. But both of those rings that we got are actually insane and it's just a surreal feeling that we even made it that far. But there is that like underlying like feeling of I really want to finish it this year.” On the rivalry with Louisville, she commented, “I feel like that's always such a strong rivalry. Um, so competitive, so scrappy, so chippy, and we're chirping at each other through the net, staring people down. Um, but it's always such a great environment. Louisville fans, our fans just like it's such a deep rivalry that I personally didn't even understand because I'm not from Louisville or Lex obviously, but it's just so strong. So just playing for all the people that were before us and who are from Kentucky who have that strong opinion on that. It's just always such a fun game.” She learned about the rivalry quickly, noting it was “probably.1 of the first time I ever played Louisville my freshman year. It was like, ‘All right, we're doing this rivalry. You better get at it.’” Regarding a spring match against them, she said, “I honestly don't remember much from the spring. But a while ago, I would say just like fitting all the new pieces that we got. We obviously had Morgan and then Sydney and Belle in the spring, but we didn't have B. We didn't have Grayson, Bria, Caroline. So, we had a little bit of that like trying to figure out those pieces and putting them all together. And then now we have more. So, I feel like it was just more of trying to figure out everyone's roles and how everyone works together.”

Emma expressed immense gratitude for Coach Skinner, stating, “I mean, I like cherish getting to play for him so much and like appreciate all he does for us and the sport and everything here. And uh he really loves it and you can tell and he really pours as much as he can into us each day with uh life and school and volleyball and family and just everything. And it's not just volleyball. He cares about us in so many ways and it's so clear.” She also reflected on the summer, saying, “Um I mean I think that we volleyball specifically and with us we had a lot of fun. Um being able to go and lift hard and have a lot of fun just with our strength coaches and within the 17 of us. I mean over the summer we're only allowed to work with our athletic trainer and our strength coach. And so being able to do that and then we would go and compete in the gym, play sixes, do reps, just the 17 of us. We weren't allowed to have any coaches and stuff. So being able to see like pretty obviously any given day some people have classes or different meetings or stuff like that. Um there were three or four of us doing an internship, me being one of them. So there was a few of us who were not always able to consistently be there, but every single day you had or leaving early or whatever it may have been, but we had 15 to 17 girls there every single day to get reps. And that is something that um I know being a part of many teams that that's not something that you can take for granted. And so to see all 17 of us want to have that same, you know, passion for wanting to be in the gym. And then I got an opportunity to do an internship in a bunch of different things outside of here. So, I was really busy, but it was a lot of fun and it was a really good summer and I'm excited to be back and back into the routine of school and everything like that.”

Cassie discussed her personal growth as a Kentucky volleyball player, saying, “Yeah. Um, I think in a person just, you know, coming out on the court, finding a different way to lead, you know, being younger doesn't Craig always says like it doesn't matter your age on the court. So, just going out there using my voice still, not being afraid, playing with confidence.” As a volleyball player, she added, “Um, I think just finding different ways to orchestrate the offense. um you know everything gets bigger when you get to college and so just finding those ways decision- making has been huge just like who are you going to set in this moment um what are the block matchups on the other side of the net and who am I going to set up to put the ball away.” On preparing for the Kentucky volleyball schedule 2026, she said, “I'll use SEC tournament for example like you know we played three games back to back to back it's a grind And so I think kind of knowing that and using the preeason and two days and all that those practices like those prepare us so much for the season and so not trying to get caught up in like oh my gosh I'm tired this and that like no this is what's going to help us and motivate us when we get into that game time later in the season.”

Cassie spoke about her individual improvements, stating, “I think just like speed in general, just like direction, movements. Um, I wanted to be a little bit faster on the court and so that was something that I worked on in the offseason. And then also just um doing better in like my defense. I think stepping up defense is huge as a setter. Every team wants to try to get them out of system. So, if I can put up a good ball and we can have TZO running the offense with tempo, I think that would be huge for us.” Reflecting on her freshman year, she mentioned, “No, not at all. Um, it was definitely like a huge dream come true, but I think it was just a bunch of hard work that went into it. I mean, every day was a grind and it still is. And so, um, yeah, last year was amazing, but I think going into this year, just like continuing to push every single day will be super important.” When asked about the team's depth, she said, “I mean, it's amazing feeling as a setter and being like I can set anyone right then and there and know that they'll be able to put the ball away. I think it really comes down to kind of the situation going on the other side of the net, like what blockers are at the net and what can I run with my hitters to put them in the best position possible to kill the ball.”

On her leadership role, Cassie explained, “I think there's a lot of players on our team that kind of, you know, will go up to one another and be like, ‘Hey, like you can do this.’ So I think also myself like I want to be that person that I can go up and you know do the same for others but then they can do the same to me. So I think um just being able to you know if someone is down or something like being able to give that confidence to them and be like hey I'm going to set you this ball right here and you're going to get a kill and I believe in you.” Regarding her preseason honor, she noted, “Yeah, I think it shows a lot of respect. Um, obviously a really good pat on the back, but kind of at the end of the day, it doesn't mean doesn't mean a whole lot. I think there's a lot um to prove this season just to get in there, play with the girls, and um I think it's great that everyone on a lot of girls on Kentucky um made that and just shows how much talent we had, and being able to put that all together is going to be really special this year.”

Emma further elaborated on her experience, saying, “No, it's great. Um, you know, you always want a coach that has that sort of drive and wants that for your players and wants that for the program. And so, um, it's been awesome just to be able to play under him and, you know, he's a great coach and so look forward to it every single day.” Reagan also chimed in about the team's spirit, saying, “I feel like last year we had such a big thing of like playing with joy and playing for each other and just the love that we shared and that's bled immediately into this Kentucky volleyball season 2026. So like immediately as we had everyone, we also gained Brim and just all those transfers. As soon as the summer hit, it was just like together again. And we we were just like the same team almost. Obviously, there's so many new personalities and stuff, but that joy and love and like determination that we have to play for not only ourselves, but other people is still there. So I think that really just it's only going to get better because we have those same values. So feel like that's super important for us this year.”