Dru Kuck: The transfer of all transfers
By Allison Novak
After a successful start in the CEFCU invitational, Bradley volleyball looks to have a promising season at hand. Graduate transfer Dru Kuck coming from the University of Alabama seems to be improving the Braves’ defense tremendously, having picked up two SEC Defensive Player of the Week awards when she was part of the Crimson Tide.
As someone who isn’t a huge volleyball fan, I can say that I was amazed by the leadership and high level of competition that Kuck displayed this past weekend and she is someone that can make an impact on the program.
Kuck led the Braves with 43 digs in her first appearance on the Hilltop. Twenty-three of those came in a three-game set for an average of 7.67 digs per set. Even though it’s early, this puts her on pace to beat the NCAA record set last season at 7.16 digs per set.
Kuck looks to establish a winning presence for the Braves, which could change the culture of the volleyball program. With Kuck’s experience at the SEC level and playing ranked opponents such as No. 12 Florida, who made it to the Sweet Sixteen last season, she should help bring the volleyball team to new heights as they look to continue their hot start to the season with a series of tournaments coming up.
Jasmine Green: The queen of the court
By Umar Syed
Bradley volleyball posted a record of 10 wins and 21 losses last year, a season they would like to forget and also learn from. Many of the seniors want redemption and to achieve the goal of winning a conference championship before their time is up.
Of all the seniors currently on the team, Jasmine Green is due for a breakout year. In just three games this season, she has collected an impressive 20 kills, which ties her for the team lead. She scored a total of 32.5 points last season with 2.17 points per set, but she is in line for a bigger role this year.
Green had an impressive season in 2020 as a freshman, totaling 47 points with an average of 1.42 points per game. In 2021 and 2022 her stats took a bit of a dip, but with less competition on the outside this season she should see more opportunities to improve.
Green is a senior that has put in a lot of dedication, time and countless hours of hard work to make a name for herself here at Bradley and has continued to establish herself as an elite player in the Missouri Valley Conference. With her impressive scoring and outstanding agility, it is safe to say that she is one player to definitely watch out for this season.
