Women's Volleyball | 8/23/2023 8:00:00 AM

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State women's volleyball team is gearing up for an exciting 2023 campaign, which will kick off with their participation in the Dragon Classic. The opening match is slated against Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) contender Lane College on September 1st.

New Additions
Under the guidance of Head Coach Eileen Butts, the team has strategically bolstered its roster for the upcoming season. Notably, eight new additions have been integrated into the squad. Among these recruits are setter Daphne Waters, opposite hitter Sydney Shelby, middle blocker Saniya Sanders, opposite hitter Keyeana Biggs, outside hitter Zora Nooks, and middle blocker Leah Bates.

Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Nooks stands out as a promising true freshman. During her time at Stivers School for The Arts, she showcased exceptional leadership skills by serving as the varsity captain for two consecutive years. Nooks also earned accolades such as the team's Most Valuable Player (MVP), district athlete of the month and year, and a position on the district first team.

Tubbs, a sophomore transfer, has joined the Thorobreds after her tenure at Milliken University. Her standout performance earned her recognition as an All-Conference Honorable Mention in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) during both 2020 and 2021.

Another notable addition is Emily Wagner, who became a midyear transfer from Independence Community College in the 2022-23 academic year. Wagner boasts an impressive resume, including Second Team All-City distinctions during her junior and senior years. Her excellence on the court was further highlighted by her top 50 ranking in the state of Kansas. Notably, she also achieved academic team honors throughout her freshman and sophomore seasons at Independence.

Season Outlook
The season ignites with an energetic start as the Thorobreds hit the road on September 1st to take on Lane College in Jackson, TN at 8 AM. Following this, they shift gears to a neutral court matchup against Harris-Stowe State University from Missouri at 4 PM on the same day.
 
Tournament play will conclude on September 2nd, engaging in back-to-back matches on neutral ground in Jackson, Tenn. They will face off against Dillard University (La.) at Noon and Winston-Salem State University at 4 PM.

Returning to their home turf, the team welcomes Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) on September 6th for a 6 p.m. showdown, followed by a clash with Central State on September 7th at 6 p.m.
The Thorobreds maintain their home advantage as they prepare for a doubleheader against Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College on September 8th at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

On September 13th, the team embarks on a road trip to face Asbury University (Ky.) in Wilmore, KY at 6 p.m. The Thorobreds will compete at the SIAC Crossover, taking on Benedict College, Albany State University, and Allen University (S.C.) on September 22nd, and Edward Waters (Fla.) and Savannah State University on September 23rd.

Navigating through a dynamic season, the Thorobreds will meet opponents like Clark Atlanta and Fort Valley State on September 30th, and Miles College and Spring Hill College on October 6th and 7th.

As the season progresses, the Thorobreds display their determination against LeMoyne-Owen and Tuskegee on October 7th and against Cumberlands (Ky.) on October 10th.

The team's home advantage remains strong as they face Asbury University (Ky.) on October 11th. The Thorobreds then embark on a road matchup against Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) on October 17th.

In late October, the Thorobreds return to neutral ground, contending with Miles College, Spring Hill College, LeMoyne-Owen, and Tuskegee on October 20th and 21st.
Closing in on the end of the season, the Thorobreds travel to Central State on October 27th, followed by a senior weekend tri-match against the University of Charleston and Lane on November 4th.
Follow KSU Sports   
For complete coverage of Kentucky State Athletics, follow the Thorobreds on social media @KYSUAthletics (Twitter), @ksuthletics (Instagram), Kentucky State Athletics (Facebook) or visit the official home of Kentucky State Athletics at ksuthorobreds.com.