Kuhn Sets Record For Lady Mocs Volleyball

UTC Sophomore Middle Blocker Ellie Kuhn set a new single season school record for block assists with 101. She reached that mile stone by registering 5 block assists against fellow Southern Conference opponent Appalachian St. this past Sunday. The Mocs dropped the match against the Lady Mountaineers 3-1 (25-22, 11-25, 22-25, 20-25), but nevertheless, it was a tremendous performance by the San Antonio, TX and Alamo Heights HS product.

Kuhn passed the previous leader Heather Gibson, who had 100 block assists during the 1991 season. She also moved up the ranks in the single season total blocks category to eighth all-time by totaling 114 blocks in Sunday's match against the Mountaineers. With that performance, she passed former Mocs Carmen Walker and Rachel Evan, and current teammate Leslie Ball.

Kuhn, along with her teammate, Jr. Courtney Barnes, both registered 10 kills for the second straight match. "I am thrilled to have surpassed the record," said Kuhn. "I have two more years left to improve and add to it. I couldn't have done it without the presence of the outside and right side hitters. I am glad that I was able to accomplish the feat and there is more to look forward to in the future."

It was Senior Day at UT-Chattanooga, and it would be shameful for this blogger not to mention Sr. Cassie Conner, who was honored before the match. The Willow Springs, ILL native registered 35 assists, 13 kills and two blocks on the day.

Ellie Kuhn enjoys her role as Middle Blocker. You can tell that from her remarks: "I love contributing offensively especially as a middle because it can open up things for our outsides," said Kuhn. "I am sure it did because our outsides had a pretty good day. It is a great feeling to contribute offensively and defensively."

The amazing thing is that Kuhn is just a Sophomore and has two more years to improve on her record-breaking accomplishment. She could leave UTC as the greatest Lady Mocs Volleyball player in school history. As a Freshman a year ago, Kuhn started in 10 matches and appeared in 23 matches for the Lady Mocs. She recorded 10 service aces and 26 total blocks during the 08 campaign. Also as a Freshman, Kuhn had a season high 8 kills in matches against Alabama A&M and Georgia St.

As great as these accomplishments are, they are even more staggering considering the fact that Kuhn had never even touched a volleyball until her Freshman year in high school. An Atlanta read club coach named Bob Westbrook worked with Kuhn constantly and the her training paid off. Ellie Kuhn is one of many student-athletes whose accomplishments don't get the big time press attention, but are every bit as impressive as the accomplishments of a Tim Tebo, Tyler Hansbrough or Eric Berry.

Information in this article was obtained from the official UTC athletics website http://www.gomocs.com/.