Introducing the players for 2026 Kentucky volleyball tam

The summer is nearly over, and are now looking ahead to the coming sports seasons. The Kentucky volleyball team, for one, is set to kick off later this month, and expectations are high. They made it all the way to the national championship game last year, and are set to bring back most of a roster that won 27 consecutive matches before falling in the final.

It was a dream season that came up just short, but the Wildcats are primed to make another run this year. Eva Hudson is gone to the professional ranks, but Brooklyn DeLeye is back along with Molly Tuozzo and others. They also brought in Morgan Gaerte from Notre Dame, another Player of the Year candidate.

As the matches are set to begin, it’s time to look at the players on the roster. Here are the Wildcats who will look to be playing deep into the postseason once again.

Class: sophomore

Key stats: 13 service aces, 32 digs

As a freshman last year, Ward played in 25 matches, and though she wasn’t a starter, she had some timely service aces and helped the Wildcats win matches. She will be an even bigger part of the 2026 squad.

Class: freshman

Saylors comes to Lexington from Georgia, where she made a name for herself. A middle blocker with 6’3″ size, she has the potential to develop into a starter quickly.

Class: freshman

Beus is another freshman addition. The 5’10” outside hitter is a former Gatorade Player of the Year in Idaho, and is set to be the next wave of scorers at Kentucky.

Class: sophomore

Key stats: 1,278 assists, 246 digs

O’Brien was a sensation as a freshman last season, and was one of the reasons Kentucky made the final. She was named the SEC and National Freshman of the Year, and she should be even better in 2026.

Class: sophomore

Key stats: 6 kills in matches

An outside hitter who didn’t play much last season, Watson is expected to be a bigger part of this year’s team. She has great length at 6’3″ and showed flashes of what she could do in limited action.

Class: junior

Key stats: 64 blocks, 99 kills

Washington does it all for the Wildcat, combining quality defense with the ability to go on the offensive when necessary. She had some big moments last year, and should have many more in 2026.

Class: senior

Key stats: 19 service aces, 256 digs

Berezowitz brings plenty of experience back with her for a second season in Lexington. A defensive specialist, she proved adept at digging out kill attempts, putting Kentucky back on the attack.

Class: senior

Key stats: 3,924 digs, 34 service aces

Tuozzo didn’t get the attention of Kentucky’s two big hitters, but she was the heart and soul of the team. She was named to the All-SEC team, was an All-American, and was the SEC Tournament MVP.

Class: sophomore

Key stats: 3 kills

After tearing her ACL and missing her freshman season, Benjamin played sparingly last year, but she stands ready to increase that in 2026. She was a highly decorated recruit who could be a key player now that she’s healthy.

Class: freshman

Breaux is a 6’3″ hitter from Maryland who has been praised by coach Craig Skinner for her athleticism. She could develop quickly into an important player for the Wildcats.

Class: senior

Key stats: 139 blocks, 229 kills

After being Kentucky’s best blocker last year, Carr returns ready to once again dominate at the net. She was All-SEC in 2025 and led the team in blocks per game and total blocks.

Class: senior

Key stats: 545 kills, 279 digs

DeLeye has already proven herself to be one of the nation’s best outside hitters, and is a former SEC Player of the Year. Last year, she was spectacular once again, and will be a strong contender for National Player of the Year.

Class: junior

Key stats: 497 kills

Gaerte is a transfer from Notre Dame where she was named first-team All-ACC. She will take over for former star Eva Hudson, and could have even bigger numbers this season.

Class: junior

Key stats: 142 kills, 41 blocks

At 5’10” Thigpen doesn’t have great height, but she still has proven to be an effective outside hitter. She’s also a solid defender who can get up and make plays at the net.

Class: freshman

Prihoda is an elite recruit that Coach Skinner has called a gamer. She comes to Lexington from Texas, and her passing ability is second to none.

Class: freshman

Burley is a Minnesota product who Skinner is excited to have in Lexington. She has been awarded for her defense, and could be another great one to play for the Wildcats.

Class: junior

Covell transferred to Kentucky from Arizona State this offseason. She is a brilliant passer who recorded 36 assists in a match against Texas. She had more than 20 assist several other times.

This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Introducing the players for 2026 Kentucky volleyball tam

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