Tuozzo thrives in the libero role for Volleyball Cats – UK Athletics

The Kentucky volleyball program has produced a long line of outstanding liberos. Honorees such as Jenni Casper, Stephanie Klefot, Ashley Dusek, Gabby Curry and Elanor Beavin have all excelled at the Cats' position. Now libero student Molly Tuozzo has taken on the role. Tuozzo brings passion, leadership and back row talent to the team.

Tuozzo has jumped to the libero position this season and has already recorded 211 digs for the Cats, a team-high. She owes her success in this position to her eagerness to have the ball in every game.

“I always feel like I want to have the ball when I’m out there. The way I want the ball, whether it's a hectic play or receiving someone's serve, I always want the ball,” Tuozzo said. “That’s a really big thing and focusing on consistency in the passing game, being loud and leading on the field by holding people accountable.”

Typically in the world of volleyball, the setter is viewed as the sole leader on the court. The setter is often referred to as the “quarterback” of the team. However, Tuozzo shares that the libero position is also an important leadership role to take on.

“It’s a big role to fill. This includes a lot of leadership tasks, not just constant presence on the field,” she said. “I think that’s what I’m still getting used to in a way, getting better at it and leading on and off the field.”

Tuozzo discussed the way she has learned to lead the team in her position.

“To some extent take control of the court,” Tuozzo said. “Taking everything away from people defensively. Lead by example and use my voice.”

Tuozzo performed excellently not only on defense but also on serve. Serving consistently and aggressively is difficult for many teams at the collegiate level, but Tuozzo shares what has helped her succeed in this area.

“I think I just trust it. Like every time I go back there, I have the same routine as every time,” she said. “Every time I go back there I always say the same thing in my head. And I still want to take them out every single point.”

As Kentucky heads into a big game this weekend against a new member of the Southeastern Conference, No. 7 Texas, Tuozzo has plenty of opportunities to put those new leadership skills into action. Texas has a strong offense and Tuozzo shared how she feels sitting on defense on the other side of the court.

“I'm excited. “I like when teams have good offenses because it's kind of a challenge to prove that we can do anything they put in front of us,” Tuozzo said. “I'm really looking forward to it “To play them, they’re a great team and I think it’s going to be a really great game.”

Kentucky has already faced a daunting schedule this season, facing off against Nebraska, Louisville, Stanford and Penn State, among others. Tuozzo said she and her teammates were preparing for another top-10 opponent.

“I think we’re ready to prove ourselves,” she said. “We had a really tough non-conference schedule, but I think that really helps us in the long run, like whenever we play these really good teams. I think the SEC is the toughest game ever, so I think we're ready to show how good we can be and I think this game is a good opportunity to do that,” Tuozzo said .

Kentucky hosts Texas at the Historic Memorial Coliseum on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 pm ET and the game can be watched on ESPN.