CHS Alumna Avery Skinner, Team USA win silver medal in Olympics
By Adam Luckett and Ryan Clark
Kentucky Sports Radio and the College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences' alumna Avery Skinner’s impressive debut run at the Olympics came to an end on Sunday, as Team USA Volleyball fell one win short of a gold medal in Paris and will head home with silver.
Italy (25-18, 25-20, 25-17) handled Team USA in three consecutive sets to win the gold medal in women’s volleyball. It was another example of the team's domination, as the Italians only lost one set in the entire tournament. Avery Skinner led the U.S. squad with 22 attacks and notched seven points. The United States defeated Brazil in the semifinals to advance to the final match.
The performance was still an impressive one for a young U.S. National Team that came into the tournament ranked fifth in the world.
Skinner, who graduated in 2021 with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, was a member of Kentucky’s volleyball team and helped the Wildcats win a national championship in 2021. The Texas native was an All-American selection playing for head coach Craig Skinner in Lexington. Avery Skinner spent her final seasons in college at Baylor. The Olympian is the daughter of former professional basketball player Brian Skinner, who spent a decade-plus in the NBA.
Team USA will now turn its attention to building a championship-caliber team in 2028 when the Olympics heads to Los Angeles. Avery Skinner should have a great shot at making another national team as the Americans look to secure a gold medal on home turf.
"Avery made us all so proud," said UK Volleyball Coach Craig Skinner. "Both her journey to make the team, and then her amazing performance in Paris leading USA to a silver medal. Her example of resilience is a great lesson for everyone."
Coach Skinner, along with fellow CHS alumna Katy Poole, MS, ATC, LAT, who serves as the senior athletic trainer for the UK volleyball team, were part of a contingent that traveled to Paris to support Avery in her Olympic debut.
"What an awesome run for Avery and USA Volleyball!" Poole said. "It was incredibly special to watch Avery perform on the world’s biggest stage. She was built for moments like the last two weeks, and we are so proud to have her representing USA and UK."
Katy graduated with a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training in 2013.
For more coverage on the team visit Kentucky Sports Radio.com.