2/20 Practice Notes: Spring Practice is all about acclimating the NEW weapons to 'Cat ball

We're officially just three weeks away from the first match of the Spring season against Dayton and the Wildcats are already busy in the gym getting ready for game action. 

For the first time in a while, Kentucky's entire roster is on campus and competing in the Spring schedule as those returning, those coming in from the transfer portal, and the 2025 freshmen class are all currently working in the gym. And early reports say the competition level on the court is already high. 

According to assistant coach Merideth Jewell, the Cats are currently focused on acclimating the new additions to the speed and incredibly fast tempo that's become synonymous with Kentucky's offense over the last several seasons.

That's a huge benefit for all the Cats, but perhaps most importantly for incoming freshman setter Kassie O'Brien. O'Brien has big shoes to fill after the departure of Emma Grome, but these early reps - especially with DeLeye and Hudson on the outside - will be widely important to both her and the team's success in the fall as the group works on timing, tempo, and speed. 

Jewell says the Cats are excited for the opportunity to take the court against new competition in a few weeks and are enjoying the challenge in the gym every day. 

The Cats' new assistant coach Amaya Tillman won't officially be on campus until next Monday and interviews for the associate head coaching position are still underway, but both the staff and the team are excited for what's to come this Spring season.