The Kentucky Volleyball team will start the 2024 season ranked No. 9 in the initial American Volleyball Coaches’ Association (AVCA) top-25 poll, as announced on Monday morning.
Key Highlights:
- Top SEC Representation: Kentucky is one of six Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams ranked inside the top 25 to begin the season, marking the highest number of SEC teams in the top 25 since at least 1982. The Wildcats are the second-highest ranked SEC team, trailing only Texas, which holds the No. 1 spot after winning back-to-back NCAA National Championships.
- Returning Talent: The Wildcats return several key players from last season’s squad that reached the NCAA Regional Semifinals. Notable returnees include SEC Freshman of the Year Brooklyn DeLeye, All-American setter Emma Grome, and former SEC Libero of the Year Eleanor Beavin.
- Consistency at the Top: Kentucky’s No. 9 ranking marks the fourth time in the last five seasons that the Wildcats have been ranked inside the top 10 of the AVCA preseason poll, dating back to 2020.
- Challenging Schedule: Kentucky is slated to play 11 matches against teams currently ranked in the AVCA top 25, including six games against top-10 opponents such as Nebraska, Stanford, Louisville, Penn State, Purdue, and Texas.
Kentucky’s strong preseason ranking reflects the program’s sustained excellence and the high expectations for the upcoming season.
2024 American Volleyball Coaches’ Association
Preseason Top-25 Rankings
- Texas (46)
- Nebraska (15)
- Wisconsin
- Pittsburgh
- Stanford
- Louisville
- Penn State
- Purdue
- Kentucky
- Oregon
- Florida
- Creighton
- Kansas
- Georgia Tech
- Tennessee
- BYU
- Arizona State
- Minnesota
- Arkansas
- Florida State
- Southern Cal
- Dayton
- Baylor
- Marquette
- Georgia
