CHS Volleyball Alumni Share Olympic Moment
By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director
Katy Poole believes you need to show up for your people.
As in, you should do what you can to always support those who mean the most to you.
That’s why she and other members of the University of Kentucky’s women’s volleyball squad made the trip to Paris, France, this week to watch and support former UK player Avery Skinner, who made her debut as UK’s first-ever member of the Olympic Volleyball team.
Katy L. Poole, MS, ATC, LAT, is the Senior Athletic Trainer for Volleyball, and — like Avery — is also an alumna of the College of Health Sciences.
“One of the biggest reasons it was important to be there for Avery is because I think it’s important to show up for your people,” Katy said in an email interview from Paris. “Kentucky Volleyball has always been about supporting and celebrating others, so when Avery called and asked if we would be able to come, it was a no-brainer. On a bigger level, the sport of volleyball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and it’s only growing. It’s important for Kentucky Volleyball to be part of that.
“This past year we had eight former athletes playing professionally across the globe, capped off by Ave making Team USA,” she continued. “The fact that Kentucky Volleyball has that kind of representation in the Olympics can’t be overstated.”
Katy traveled with a contingent that included Head Volleyball Coach Craig Skinner, and the group was able to take in the sights while also watching several Olympic matches. Katy graduated with a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training in 2013, while Avery graduated in 2021 with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
“My favorite part — outside of supporting Avery and Team USA — was getting to watch a lot of other international volleyball matches,” Katy said. “My interest in the professional volleyball world, especially in Europe, has really grown over the last few years as we have more and more athletes playing overseas. It was neat to be able to see some of the best in the world in person.”
Katy says the best part about being an athletic trainer is the relationships you form with people.
“Avery and I clicked pretty much right away when she got to Lexington,” she said. “That connection only grew during her four years because, unfortunately for her, she had some lingering injuries, and so we ended up spending a lot of time together. My job is to care for all aspects of our team’s health, obviously a huge part of that is their physical health, but it also means I try my best to support them with whatever else they have going on in their life.
“Avery overcame a lot during her time at UK, both on and off the court,” she continued. “She’s worked for and earned every single good thing that has come her way, and it means a lot to me that I get to support her along her journey. One of my favorite things about working with Avery is truly just the person that she is. She’s obviously an incredible athlete, but she is just as good of a human. It’s fun to watch someone who’s that sweet kind flip a switch and become this intense competitor.”
All of that added up to why Katy wanted to be in France this week.
“There really aren’t words to describe the feeling of watching Avery play on the world’s biggest stage,” she said. “I got emotional during warm-ups and again when she subbed in the first time. Just an overwhelming sense of pride, gratitude, and joy. Everyone at Kentucky Volleyball is so proud of her, and I feel a really deep sense of gratitude for not only getting to be a small part of her life journey, but for being able to be there to watch her first Olympic match in person.”
Find more information about times and how to watch Avery and the rest of the team here.
