1 Splash:2-Media Info.qxp.qxd - University of Kentucky Athletics

“I chose Kentucky because I saw a
place that I could call my own. There
is nowhere else that you can be a
complete student-athlete. I saw in the
University of Kentucky a place that
would take care of me in the present
and prepare me for my future.“
-Former Wildcat Amy Kaplan (2002-05)
“I chose the University of Kentucky
because it’s a school rich in tradition.
The coaches are amazing and I
couldn’t imagine playing volleyball for
anyone else. I know it’s an exciting
time to be a Wildcat!”
-Junior defensive specialist Alisa Pierce
Kentucky and USA Volleyball
Kentucky and USA Volleyball have established a winning tradition of
international excellence. Coach Craig Skinner, assistant coach Robert
Pulliza and senior middle blocker Nicole Britenriker each have experience
with international competition as part of USA Volleyball. When studentathletes
come to the University of Kentucky, they know they will have the
opportunity to compete at the highest level in both the United States and
possibly the world.
Skinner, the 2005 Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year, served
as the head coach of the U.S. Junior National Team in the summer of
2006. He led Team USA to the gold medal at the NORCECA Continental
Women’s Junior Championship in Monterrey, Mexico, with a fivegame
win over the Dominican Republic.
Britenriker was a member of the 2004 U.S.
Junior National Team. She was selected as one of
12 in the country for the USA Youth National
Team in 2002 and played on the USA Youth National
Team that competed in the 2003 World
Championships in Poland.
Pulliza served as an assistant coach for the
US National A2 Team in 2003 and the US
Girls Youth National team in 2000 and 2001.
The 2000 team claimed a silver medal at the
NORCECA Zonal Championships.
“UK provides lots of opportunities
during and after your playing years. It
is a great place to expand continuously
in anything you set your mind to. And
most of all, it has the coolest mascot
anybody would ever encounter.”
-Junior middle blocker Queen Nzenwa
“I cannot see myself anywhere but
Kentucky and am honored to be wearing
blue today. Blue pride is passed
down as a tradition and a way of life
because every Wildcat holds themselves
accountable to expectations,”
-Senior defensive specialist Kathleen Bowler
T h i s i s U K Vo l l e y b a l l
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