KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WIBW) – Yes, Kentucky outlasted Wisconsin in five sets Thursday night to reach the NCAA volleyball national championship.
Yes, Brooklyn DeLeye had double-digit kills for the 29th time this season.
But in Kansas City, just a short drive from Topeka (Washburn Rural alum), this week has felt different for the junior outside hitter who quickly became indispensable at Kentucky.
Three seasons in, she’s a two-time All-American, last year’s SEC Player of the Year and the league’s Freshman of the Year two seasons ago and the centerpiece of a Wildcats team now one win from a championship.
That trust showed again against Wisconsin, where Kentucky leaned on DeLeye’s poise as much as her power to survive a five-set test.
What elevates the moment is the arena. Playing the title match in Kansas City has brought DeLeye back near home, close enough to feel the support of the place that shaped her long before national accolades followed her name.
“I just have felt so loved over this week and it’s so cool that I get to represent a place like Topeka,” DeLeye said after Thursday’s win over Wisconsin. “I would not be the person I am today without each and every one of those people. I’m just out here having fun with my teammates and I’m glad that I get to do it at almost my home state.”
Kentucky will face Texas A&M on Sunday in the national championship.
First serve is set for 2:30 p.m. CT inside T-Mobile Center.
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