The Kentucky Wildcats continue to establish themselves as one of the premier programs in college volleyball, earning another major preseason honor ahead of the 2026 campaign. Kentucky placed a nation-leading four student-athletes on the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Player of the Year Watch List, highlighting the program’s impressive depth and championship expectations.
The AVCA unveiled its 30-player preseason watch list on Thursday, with Brooklyn DeLeye, Morgan Gaerte, Kassie O’Brien, and Molly Tuozzo representing Kentucky. No other program in the country matched the Wildcats’ total, underscoring the talent assembled by head coach Craig Skinner as Kentucky prepares for another title chase.
Kentucky Tops the Nation
Kentucky’s four selections were the highest total among all NCAA Division I volleyball programs entering the 2026 season.
Traditional powerhouses Nebraska and Purdue followed closely behind with three players each on the prestigious preseason list, while no other school reached Kentucky’s mark.
The recognition further reinforces the Wildcats’ status as one of the favorites to contend for both the Southeastern Conference championship and the NCAA national title.
Wildcats Chasing More History
The individual honors arrive as Kentucky prepares for what could be another historic season.
The Wildcats enter the year aiming to capture an incredible 10th consecutive SEC championship, a streak that has firmly established the program as the dominant force in the conference.
Beyond conference play, Kentucky also has its sights set on another deep NCAA Tournament run and hopes to return to the NCAA Final Four, where the program has become a consistent national contender in recent years.
Brooklyn DeLeye Continues Remarkable Run
Leading Kentucky’s group of honorees is veteran outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye, who earned a place on the AVCA watch list for the third consecutive season.
DeLeye enters 2026 as one of the most accomplished players in collegiate volleyball.
Among her impressive achievements are:
- 2024 SEC Player of the Year
- 2025 AVCA First Team All-American
- Three-time All-SEC selection
Her combination of offensive firepower, leadership, and experience makes her one of the leading candidates for National Player of the Year entering the season.
Morgan Gaerte Makes Immediate Impact
Graduate transfer Morgan Gaerte received watch list recognition for the first time after transferring to Kentucky from Notre Dame.
Gaerte arrives in Lexington following an outstanding 2025 season with the Fighting Irish, where she earned First Team All-ACC honors while averaging an impressive 4.64 kills per set, ranking among the nation’s top attackers.
Her addition gives Kentucky another elite offensive weapon and significantly strengthens an already talented lineup.
Kassie O’Brien Builds on Stellar Freshman Season
Setter Kassie O’Brien also earned her first appearance on the AVCA watch list after one of the best freshman campaigns in recent college volleyball history.
Last season, O’Brien captured numerous accolades, including:
- 2025 AVCA National Freshman of the Year
- AVCA Second Team All-American
- First Team All-SEC selection
Her ability to orchestrate Kentucky’s offense played a major role in the Wildcats’ success, and expectations are even higher entering her sophomore season.
Molly Tuozzo Among Nation’s Elite Liberos
Senior libero Molly Tuozzo completed Kentucky’s impressive quartet of selections.
Notably, Tuozzo was one of only two liberos included on the entire 30-player watch list, emphasizing just how highly regarded she is nationally at her position.
The senior from The Woodlands, Texas, joins Iowa State standout Rachel Van Gorp as the only defensive specialists recognized by the AVCA.
Tuozzo enters the season after another outstanding year that included:
- AVCA Third Team All-American honors
- SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player
- Two-time All-SEC selection
Her defensive consistency and leadership continue to make her one of the nation’s premier back-row players.
SEC Well Represented
The Southeastern Conference placed eight players on the national watch list across three schools.
Kentucky accounted for half of those selections with four representatives, while Texas and Texas A&M each placed two players on the list.
The conference’s strong representation reflects the growing strength of SEC volleyball, with Kentucky continuing to lead the way.
National Award Race Begins
The AVCA National Player of the Year Watch List serves as the first step in selecting the nation’s top collegiate volleyball player.
Throughout the season, the awards committee will continue evaluating candidates before releasing a midseason update in October.
Semifinalists will be announced in November, followed by finalists in December.
The 2026 AVCA National Player of the Year will ultimately be revealed on December 18 during the AVCA Awards Banquet in San Antonio, recognizing the nation’s most outstanding volleyball player.
Expectations Continue to Rise
With four nationally recognized stars leading the roster, Kentucky enters the 2026 season carrying some of the highest expectations in the country.
The Wildcats possess elite talent at nearly every position, combining experienced veterans with rising young stars in pursuit of another SEC championship and a national title.
As preseason recognition continues to pour in, Kentucky has firmly established itself as one of the teams every opponent will be chasing throughout the upcoming college volleyball season.
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