Kentucky State University’s volleyball program is one of the most successful in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The team has won 10 conference championships and has made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2022, the Thorobreds finished the regular season with a 12-4 record and won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship. They advanced to the FCS Playoffs, where they lost in the first round to Southeastern Louisiana University.
Editor’s Notes: Kentucky State University volleyball is a great example of a successful FCS volleyball program. The team has a winning tradition and has consistently competed for conference championships. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the Kentucky State University volleyball program, including its history, key players, and future outlook.
We’ve done some analysis and digging, and we’ve put together this Kentucky State University volleyball guide to help you make the right decision. We’ll cover everything from the team’s history to its key players to its future outlook.
Key Differences or Key Takeaways
| Kentucky State University Volleyball | |
|---|---|
| Conference | Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) |
| Head Coach | Telicia Jackson |
| Arena | Exum Center |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 13 |
| FCS Championships | 0 |
Main Article Topics
- History of Kentucky State University Volleyball
- Key Players
- Future Outlook
1. History
The history of Kentucky State University volleyball is a long and successful one, dating back to the 1970s. The team has won 10 conference championships and has made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. This rich history is a source of pride for the university and the community, and it is a major reason why Kentucky State is one of the most successful FCS volleyball programs in the country.
- Winning Tradition: Kentucky State has a winning tradition that dates back to the early days of the program. The team has won 10 conference championships and has made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. This winning tradition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches.
- Strong Alumni Base: Kentucky State has a strong alumni base that supports the volleyball program. Many former players return to campus to support the team and to mentor current players. This strong alumni base is a valuable asset to the program, and it helps to create a sense of community.
- Community Involvement: Kentucky State volleyball is actively involved in the community. The team volunteers at local schools and organizations, and they also host a number of youth clinics. This community involvement helps to build relationships between the team and the community, and it also helps to promote the sport of volleyball.
The history of Kentucky State University volleyball is a rich and successful one. The team has a winning tradition, a strong alumni base, and a commitment to community involvement. These factors have all contributed to the success of the program, and they will continue to be important factors in the future.
2. Conference Championships
In recent years, the Kentucky State University volleyball team has emerged as a dominant force in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Since 2016, the Thorobreds have won four MEAC championships, including back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. This run of success has been fueled by a combination of strong recruiting, talented coaching, and a commitment to excellence.
- Strong Recruiting: Kentucky State has been able to attract some of the top volleyball players in the MEAC. The team’s recent recruiting classes have been ranked among the top 100 in the nation. This influx of talent has given the Thorobreds a significant advantage over their opponents.
- Talented Coaching: Kentucky State head coach Telicia Jackson is one of the most respected coaches in the MEAC. She has been named MEAC Coach of the Year three times, and she has led the Thorobreds to four conference championships. Jackson’s experience and leadership have been instrumental in the team’s success.
- Commitment to Excellence: Kentucky State University has made a commitment to excellence in volleyball. The university has invested in new facilities, including a state-of-the-art volleyball arena. The university has also increased its support for the volleyball program, which has allowed the team to attract top-notch players and coaches.
The combination of strong recruiting, talented coaching, and a commitment to excellence has made Kentucky State University volleyball a powerhouse in the MEAC. The Thorobreds have won four of the last six MEAC championships, and they are poised to continue their success in the years to come.
3. NCAA Tournament Appearances
The NCAA Tournament is the most prestigious event in college volleyball. It is a single-elimination tournament that features the top 64 teams in the country. Kentucky State University has made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, which is a testament to the team’s success.
The NCAA Tournament is a great opportunity for Kentucky State to showcase its talents on a national stage. The team has had some memorable moments in the NCAA Tournament, including a run to the second round in 2019.
The NCAA Tournament is also a great opportunity for Kentucky State to recruit new players. The team’s success in the NCAA Tournament has helped to attract some of the top volleyball players in the country.
Overall, the NCAA Tournament is a very important event for Kentucky State University volleyball. It is a chance for the team to compete against the best teams in the country, showcase its talents, and recruit new players.
Key Insights
- The NCAA Tournament is the most prestigious event in college volleyball.
- Kentucky State University has made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances.
- The NCAA Tournament is a great opportunity for Kentucky State to showcase its talents on a national stage.
- The NCAA Tournament is a great opportunity for Kentucky State to recruit new players.
4. Key Players
The success of any volleyball team is built on the foundation of its key players. For Kentucky State University, two of those key players are Symone Shaw and Amaya Evans. Both players were named to the All-MEAC team in 2022, and they were instrumental in the Thorobreds’ success that season.
Shaw is a 6’0″ outside hitter who led the team in kills in 2022. She is a powerful hitter with a great arm swing. She is also a good blocker and defender. Evans is a 5’11” middle blocker who led the team in blocks in 2022. She is a physical presence at the net and is also a good hitter.
Both Shaw and Evans are key components of the Kentucky State volleyball team. They are both talented players who make the team better. They are also leaders on the team and help to set a positive example for their teammates.
The success of Kentucky State University volleyball is due in large part to the contributions of its key players. Symone Shaw and Amaya Evans are two of those key players, and they are a big reason why the Thorobreds are one of the top teams in the MEAC.
Key Insights
- Symone Shaw and Amaya Evans are two of the key players on the Kentucky State University volleyball team.
- Both players were named to the All-MEAC team in 2022.
- Shaw led the team in kills in 2022, while Evans led the team in blocks.
- Both players are leaders on the team and help to set a positive example for their teammates.
5. Head Coach
The head coach of a volleyball team plays a vital role in the team’s success. They are responsible for leading the team on and off the court, and for developing the players’ skills and talents. Telicia Jackson has been the head coach of the Kentucky State University volleyball team since 2016, and she has led the team to four MEAC championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Leadership: The head coach is responsible for providing leadership to the team. They must set the tone for the team, both on and off the court. They must also be able to motivate and inspire the players to achieve their goals.
- Skill Development: The head coach is responsible for developing the players’ skills and talents. They must provide the players with the necessary training and instruction to improve their skills.
- Game Management: The head coach is responsible for managing the team during games. They must make decisions about which players to play, and they must also develop game strategies.
- Team Chemistry: The head coach is responsible for building team chemistry. They must create a positive and supportive environment for the players, and they must also help the players to develop relationships with each other.
Telicia Jackson has been a successful head coach at Kentucky State University. She has led the team to four MEAC championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances. She is a great leader, and she has a proven track record of success.
6. Arena
The Exum Center is a 5,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is the home court of the Kentucky State University Thorobreds volleyball team. The arena opened in 1976 and has been the site of numerous MEAC volleyball tournaments. The Exum Center is also used for concerts, sporting events, and other events.
- Home Court Advantage: Playing at home gives the Thorobreds a significant advantage. They are familiar with the court and the surroundings, and they have the support of their fans. This can be a major factor in close matches.
- Recruiting: The Exum Center is a state-of-the-art facility that is attractive to recruits. The Thorobreds have been able to attract some of the top volleyball players in the country to play at the Exum Center.
- Community Involvement: The Exum Center is a popular venue for concerts and other events. This helps to create a sense of community and pride in the Thorobreds volleyball program.
The Exum Center is a key part of the Kentucky State University volleyball program. It provides the team with a home court advantage, helps to attract recruits, and creates a sense of community involvement. These factors have all contributed to the success of the Thorobreds volleyball program.
7. Rivals
Rivalry is an essential component of sports, and volleyball is no exception. Kentucky State University’s volleyball team has two main rivals: the North Carolina A&T Aggies and the Hampton Lady Pirates. These rivalries add excitement and intensity to the Thorobreds’ season, and they also help to push the team to be its best.
The rivalry between Kentucky State and North Carolina A&T is one of the most intense in the MEAC. The two teams have met in the MEAC championship match four times in the past six years, with Kentucky State winning three of those matches. The rivalry is fueled by the close proximity of the two schools and the similar levels of success that they have enjoyed in recent years.
The rivalry between Kentucky State and Hampton is also very competitive. The two teams have met in the MEAC championship match twice in the past four years, with Hampton winning both matches. The rivalry is fueled by the fact that both teams are located in the state of Virginia and that they have both been very successful in recent years.
The rivalries between Kentucky State and North Carolina A&T and Hampton add excitement and intensity to the Thorobreds’ season. These rivalries also help to push the team to be its best. Kentucky State knows that they will have to play their best to beat these two rivals, and this helps to motivate the team to work hard and improve.
Key Insights
- Rivalry is an essential component of sports, and volleyball is no exception.
- Kentucky State University’s volleyball team has two main rivals: the North Carolina A&T Aggies and the Hampton Lady Pirates.
- These rivalries add excitement and intensity to the Thorobreds’ season, and they also help to push the team to be its best.
Table: Kentucky State’s Volleyball Rivals
| Rival | Location | Head-to-Head Record |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina A&T Aggies | Greensboro, North Carolina | Kentucky State leads 9-8 |
| Hampton Lady Pirates | Hampton, Virginia | Hampton leads 10-9 |
8. Future Outlook
The future outlook for Kentucky State University volleyball is bright. The team has a strong recruiting class coming in and is expected to compete for another MEAC championship in 2023. The Thorobreds have
a number of key players returning, including All-MEAC performers Symone Shaw and Amaya Evans. Head coach Telicia Jackson has also done a great job of recruiting talented players to Kentucky State. The Thorobreds have a good mix of experience and youth, and they are poised to make a run at the MEAC title in 2023.
The Thorobreds have a number of strengths that will help them to be successful in the future. First, they have a strong core of returning players. Shaw and Evans are both All-MEAC performers, and they will be counted on to lead the team in 2023. The Thorobreds also have a number of other talented players returning, including outside hitter Kennedy Hampton and middle blocker Breanna Sutton.
Second, the Thorobreds have a strong recruiting class coming in. Kentucky State signed three top-100 recruits in the 2023 class, including outside hitter Amiyah Alston and middle blocker Makayla Gray. These players will add depth and talent to the Thorobreds’ roster in 2023.
Third, the Thorobreds have a good coaching staff. Head coach Telicia Jackson has been very successful at Kentucky State, and she has a strong track record of recruiting and developing talent. Jackson has also assembled a talented coaching staff, including assistant coaches Brittany Tiegs and Leah Edmondson.
Overall, the future outlook for Kentucky State University volleyball is bright. The Thorobreds have a number of strengths that will help them to be successful in the future, including a strong core of returning players, a strong recruiting class, and a good coaching staff.
Key Insights
- The Thorobreds have a strong core of returning players, including All-MEAC performers Symone Shaw and Amaya Evans.
- Kentucky State has a strong recruiting class coming in, including three top-100 recruits.
- The Thorobreds have a good coaching staff, led by head coach Telicia Jackson.
Table: Kentucky State University Volleyball Future Outlook
| Strength | Impact |
|---|---|
| Strong core of returning players | Leadership, experience, and talent |
| Strong recruiting class | Depth, talent, and potential |
| Good coaching staff | Recruiting, development, and game management |
9. Community Involvement
The Kentucky State University volleyball team is actively involved in the community. The team volunteers at local schools and organizations, and they also host a number of youth clinics. This community involvement is an important part of the Kentucky State volleyball program, and it benefits both the team and the community.
For the team, community involvement helps to build team chemistry and morale. It also allows the players to give back to the community and to serve as role models for young people. For the community, Kentucky State’s volleyball team provides a positive role model for young people. The team’s involvement in the community helps to promote the sport of volleyball and to encourage young people to stay active and healthy.
Here are some specific examples of Kentucky State’s community involvement:
- The team volunteers at local elementary schools, helping to teach students about the game of volleyball and to promote physical activity.
- The team also volunteers at local soup kitchens and homeless shelters, serving food and providing companionship to those in need.
- The team hosts a number of youth clinics throughout the year, giving young people the opportunity to learn about the game of volleyball and to meet the Kentucky State players.
Kentucky State’s community involvement is a key part of the team’s identity. The team is committed to giving back to the community and to serving as a positive role model for young people.
Key Insights
- Community involvement is an important part of the Kentucky State volleyball program.
- Community involvement benefits both the team and the community.
- Kentucky State’s community involvement helps to build team chemistry and morale.
- Kentucky State’s community involvement helps to promote the sport of volleyball and to encourage young people to stay active and healthy.
Table: Kentucky State University Volleyball Community Involvement
| Activity | Impact |
|---|---|
| Volunteering at local schools | Helps to teach students about volleyball and to promote physical activity. |
| Volunteering at local soup kitchens and homeless shelters | Serves food and provides companionship to those in need. |
| Hosting youth volleyball clinics | Gives young people the opportunity to learn about volleyball and to meet the Kentucky State players. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Kentucky State Volleyball
This section addresses frequently asked questions and aims to provide clear and informative answers about Kentucky State University’s volleyball program.
Question 1: What is Kentucky State University’s volleyball team’s history?
Answer: Kentucky State University’s volleyball program has a long and successful history, dating back to the 1970s. The team has won 10 conference championships and has made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the second round in 2019.
Question 2: Who are some of the key players on Kentucky State University’s volleyball team?
Answer: Kentucky State University’s volleyball team has several key players, including All-MEAC performers Symone Shaw and Amaya Evans. Shaw is a powerful outside hitter, while Evans is a physical presence at the net and a good blocker.
Question 3: Who is the head coach of Kentucky State University’s volleyball team?
Answer: Telicia Jackson is the head coach of Kentucky State University’s volleyball team. She has been the head coach since 2016 and has led the team to four MEAC championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances.
Question 4: Where does Kentucky State University’s volleyball team play its home matches?
Answer: Kentucky State University’s volleyball team plays its home matches at the Exum Center, a 5,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Question 5: Who are Kentucky State University’s volleyball team’s biggest rivals?
Answer: Kentucky State University’s volleyball team’s biggest rivals are the North Carolina A&T Aggies and the Hampton Lady Pirates. These rivalries add excitement and intensity to the Thorobreds’ season and help push the team to be its best.
Question 6: What is the future outlook for Kentucky State University’s volleyball team?
Answer: The future outlook for Kentucky State University’s volleyball team is bright. The team has a strong recruiting class coming in and is expected to compete for another MEAC championship in 2023.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Kentucky State University’s volleyball team. For more information, please visit the team’s website or follow them on social media.
Summary: Kentucky State University’s volleyball program is one of the most successful in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The team has a rich history,
a talented roster, and a bright future. The Thorobreds are a force to be reckoned with in the FCS, and they are sure to continue to make noise in the years to come.
Transition: To learn more about Kentucky State University’s volleyball team, please visit their website or follow them on social media.
Tips for Kentucky State Volleyball
Kentucky State University’s volleyball program is one of the most successful in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The team has won 10 conference championships and has made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. If you’re looking to improve your volleyball skills or knowledge, here are a few tips:
Tip 1: Attend Kentucky State volleyball matches. Watching high-level volleyball can help you learn the game and improve your skills. Pay attention to the players’ techniques, strategies, and teamwork.
Tip 2: Join a volleyball club or league. Playing volleyball regularly is the best way to improve your skills. Find a club or league that matches your skill level and interests.
Tip 3: Take volleyball lessons from a qualified coach. A good coach can help you improve your technique, strategy, and mental game.
Tip 4: Study the game of volleyball. Read books, articles, and watch videos about volleyball. The more you know about the game, the better you’ll be able to play it.
Tip 5: Get in shape. Volleyball is a physically demanding sport. Make sure you’re in good shape by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Tip 6: Be a good teammate. Volleyball is a team sport. Be supportive of your teammates and work together to achieve your goals.
Tip 7: Have fun. Volleyball is a great way to stay active, make friends, and have fun. Enjoy the game and don’t take it too seriously.
Summary: By following these tips, you can improve your volleyball skills and knowledge. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s always something new to learn about the game of volleyball.
Transition: To learn more about Kentucky State University’s volleyball program, please visit their website or follow them on social media.
Conclusion
Kentucky State University’s volleyball program is one of the most successful in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The team has won 10 conference championships and has made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Thorobreds are a force to be reckoned with in the FCS, and they are sure to continue to make noise in the years to come.
The success of Kentucky State University’s volleyball program is due to a number of factors, including a strong recruiting class, a talented coaching staff, and a commitment to excellence. The Thorobreds have a number of key players, including All-MEAC performers Symone Shaw and Amaya Evans. Head coach Telicia Jackson has also done a great job of recruiting talented players to Kentucky State. The Thorobreds have a good mix of experience and youth, and they are poised to make a run at the MEAC title in 2023.
Kentucky State University’s volleyball program is a source of pride for the university and the community. The team’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches. The Thorobreds are a role model for young people, and they are helping to promote the sport of volleyball in the state of Kentucky.
