Brooklyn DeLeye has established herself as one of the most reliable and productive players on the Kentucky Volleyball team. Known for her versatility and court awareness, DeLeye plays as an outside hitter for the Wildcats.
She suffered an injury early in the year during a game against Nebraska Volleyball. However, rather than remain sidelined, she has continued to play through the pain.
What Kentucky Volleyball’s Brooklyn DeLeye’s Father Said About the Outside Hitter Playing Through Pain
According to Brooklyn DeLeye’s father, John DeLeye, the extent of what Brooklyn was dealing with went largely unnoticed by fans and even some observers around the sport.
“A lot of people don’t realize it,” John DeLeye said. “Think about the numbers she’s putting up, being in pain the whole season, and what it would be like if she wasn’t in pain this year.”
His comments highlight just how significant the injury was, especially considering DeLeye continued to produce at a high level despite the physical limitations and constant discomfort.
Rather than opting for surgery early in the season, which would have forced her to miss several weeks, DeLeye made a deliberate decision to stay on the court. “She didn’t want to get the surgery that would put her out for four weeks,” her father explained.
John DeLeye emphasized that the decision was not made lightly. Playing with a torn meniscus requires managing pain, swelling, and restricted movement, all while maintaining explosiveness and lateral quickness. However, it was possible due to her “high pain tolerance,” and “high commitment to this team.”
Thanks to Brooklyn’s contributions, the Kentucky Volleyball team was one win away from a national title. They went against Texas A&M on Sunday in Kansas City and attempted to clinch the highly coveted national title. However, they lost 3-0.
What Kentucky Volleyball Coach Craig Skinner Said About Brooklyn DeLeye
Following the game between Kentucky Volleyball and Texas A&M, Wildcats’ head coach Craig Skinner applauded Brooklyn for her selflessness and contributions to the team.
“Just super proud of her to work through a challenging situation. She’s one hell of an athlete, one hell of a competitor. Someone that is not about Brooklyn, she’s about all the people she’s around,” he said.
He also noted that the outside hitter “gives her heart and soul to her teammates and the program,” adding that he “couldn’t be more proud of her,” both as a person and athlete.