For two-time All-American setter Emma Grome, Friday night’s match against Minnesota was more than just another game—it was her final performance in Kentucky’s historic Memorial Coliseum. Reflecting on the emotional significance of the night, Grome admitted that the realization hit her hard.
“It’s been an incredible four years here, and it really struck me when someone mentioned it would be my last game in Memorial,” Grome said, following Kentucky’s thrilling 3-1 victory over Minnesota (25-11, 23-25, 25-22, 26-24) in the NCAA Volleyball Championship. “It’s emotional, but also amazing to think back on how much this program and my teammates have meant to me.”
Grome’s performance made her final Memorial match even more memorable as she set a new rally-scoring era record for career assists at Kentucky, surpassing assistant coach Madison Lilley’s previous mark. Grome tallied 50 assists during the match, bringing her career total to 4,963—one more than Lilley, who was the national player of the year when Kentucky won the 2020 national championship.
A Poignant Record-Breaking Moment
The record-breaking assist came in a fittingly symbolic play. Grome set up Brooklyn DeLeye, the SEC Player of the Year, for a critical point late in the final set. The play was made possible by a dig from Eleanor Beavin, Grome’s longtime teammate and classmate. The sequence epitomized the teamwork and chemistry that have defined Grome’s Kentucky career.
Kentucky’s victory secured their spot in the NCAA regional semifinals, commonly known as the Sweet 16. The Wildcats will face Missouri, a team they defeated twice during the regular season, after Missouri pulled off an upset against No. 2 seed SMU. Depending on the outcome of other matches, Kentucky might face No. 1 seed Pittsburgh, or host the regional themselves if Oklahoma beats Pittsburgh.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Momentum
For Grome, the journey to this stage has been anything but easy. The Wildcats battled injuries and inconsistency throughout the season but have found their stride when it mattered most. Grome, who also contributed 12 digs and five blocks in the match, credited the team’s resilience and growth.
“This season has been a grind, with injuries and trying to find our rhythm,” Grome said. “It took time to develop our offense and defense, but we’ve come together. The progress every single player has made is incredible, and now we’re playing with grit and intensity. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.”
Stellar Team Effort
Kentucky’s win against Minnesota was a team effort, with numerous players stepping up. DeLeye led the offense with 22 kills, supported by Erin Lamb’s 13 kills and Megan Wilson’s 11. Middle blockers Jordyn Dailey and Brooke Bultema were equally impactful, with Dailey going errorless on nine kills and Bultema adding eight kills and a career-high seven blocks.
The Wildcats’ offensive precision was on full display, hitting .324 against Minnesota’s formidable defense. Minnesota coach Keegan Cook praised Kentucky’s versatility and skill.
“They are SEC champions for a reason,” Cook said. “Kentucky ran a diverse and powerful offense that tested us, especially in the first set. They have tremendous potential in this tournament.”
A Historic Night in Memorial Coliseum
The Wildcats opened the match with arguably their best set of the season, dominating Minnesota 25-11. Although Minnesota fought back to claim the second set and pushed Kentucky in the final two, the Wildcats demonstrated mental toughness and poise under pressure.
Head coach Craig Skinner emphasized the importance of the team’s growth in resilience. “The mental toughness we’ve developed this season has been significant. Even after letting the second set slip away, we stayed composed and showed grit in the fourth. Hitting .325 against a great defensive team like Minnesota is a testament to the strides we’ve made.”
Looking Ahead
As Kentucky prepares for the regional semifinals, Grome is focused on maintaining the team’s momentum and energy.
“We started strong, but we knew Minnesota would bounce back,” Grome said. “It’s all about sustaining our intensity and keeping our level of play consistent. This team has worked so hard to get to this point, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
With their eyes set on advancing further in the tournament, the Wildcats are drawing confidence from their growth and recent performances. For Grome, this historic night in Memorial Coliseum was a perfect sendoff and a testament to her remarkable legacy at Kentucky.