October 7, 2025 • 41 mins
Join Darren Headrick for BBN Radio, presented by Clark's Pump-n-Shop. We talk with Kentucky Softball Head Coach Rachel Lawson and Kentucky Women's Tennis senior Ellie Myers.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Tonight we serve up a chat with women's tennis and
things get spooky on the diamond at John Crop Stadium.
Good evening everybody, and welcome in to BBN Radio presented
by Clark's pumpin Shop. I'm Darren Hedrick and before we
dive into our guests on the show tonight, just catching
up on some news around UK athletics because it is
another busy week. Yesterday baseball won their fall exhibition game
(00:22):
against West Virginia up at Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio.
The Cats scored twenty six runs across fourteen innings and
a really impressive showing against the Mountaineers in that rematch
from last year's regional women's soccer dropped a heartbreaker versus
number twenty four Vandy two to one. Was that final.
The soccer team is now nine to four and one
(00:44):
three two to one in SEC play. They'll be at
Old Miss on Friday with an eight o'clock first kick.
In terms of men's soccer, there at Marshall Friday night,
seven fifteen first kick for the men's soccer team. Volleyball's
got a huge matchup on Wednesday. This is a Top
ten showdown the third ranked Cats will take on a
(01:04):
top ten Texas A and M team. That's Wednesday, October eighth,
first Serve at seven pm down in College Station, Texas.
And of course Big Blue Madness Saturday, October eleventh, that's
a six o'clock start at Rupparena for the showcase of
the men's and women's basketball teams. And there's also another
big event this weekend and that's the fifth edition of
(01:25):
the Big Blue Boo with the Kentucky Women's softball and
coming up on the show, we'll chat with head coach
Rachel Mawson about that, plus her team and how they're
doing so far in their fall scrimmages and fall practice,
and later in the show will be joined by Ellie Myers,
a senior from women's tennis. That's all coming up on
BBN Radio presented by Clark's Pumping Shop.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
This is the UK Sports Network.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Welcome back into BBN Radio presented by Clark's Pumpin' Shop.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Is Kentucky.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
It's got a busy week all across the courts and
the fields, and one of the events that we're excited
about this Friday is the return of Big Blue Boo
and to talk about that as well as how her
team's doing so far through their fall practices and scrimmages.
We have head coach Rachel Lawson with us and coach
it's always fun to have the Big Blue Boo event,
and I believe this is year number five of that.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
It is. Yeah, it's an awesome event.
Speaker 4 (02:17):
You know, we love it because it gives our players
an opportunity to play in front of a big crowd.
But it's just such a cool event for the community.
Everybody pitches in. It started as just something that Coach
Belcher's moms and I came up with, and now it's
being sponsored by UK Healthcare. So what a cool event
looking forward to it.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
You led me right into my first question. What was
the germ of the idea to create this event in
the fall?
Speaker 4 (02:41):
Well, you know, it was something we always did a
Halloween practice, and then I was like, you know what
in typical my staff's fashion, I was like, well, since
we're going to do the practice anyway, why don't we
just open it up to you know, our alumni and
our fans and stuff like that. And then I was like, well,
if we're going to get support, we might as well
just have a game, and so first year was a
(03:01):
little bit crazy. We didn't we just expected a couple
of people to come show up. It ended up having
you know, over fifteen hundred people. We had no security,
we had nothing. There were two moms were kind of
like my bouncers we had. I mean, there was like
nobody there and we were trying to find candy at
a coach times's office.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
Like it. It was nuts.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
And so the next year, you know, we were like, okay,
we need to anticipate this in the athletic department started
chipping in. Athletes from other teams come in and they
volunteered to work all the booths for their kids. And
now we're at an awesome, awesome event with a title sponsor.
Speaker 3 (03:34):
So it's very cool.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
So what obviously there's the softball game, but what are
some events going on? Because I know you've had trigger treading,
kids can wear costumes and that sort of thing.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
Yeah, so what we do is we have we have
a bunch of tents that are set up so it's
like a it's like a trunk, you know, a trunk
or trade and stept for its tents. But because we're athletics,
you got to you got to earn your candy or
your toys or whatever. So you know, Kroger pitches in
and they supply all the candy and then there's just
you know, there's thousands and thousands of toys that you
can get. So there's a contest that each ten. Each
(04:03):
ten is themed. Like I said, it's worked by athletes
from other teams, so a lot of volunteers, a lot
of people helping our marketing department, our operations. It's a
full thing, but it is packed with kids. They have
an absolutely great time and we love it because it's
within the confines of the stadium, so it's a really
safe event and it's just awesome for families.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
So, like you were saying, this event has just taken
off year after year. How fun has it been for
you to watch it grow into a spectacle.
Speaker 4 (04:29):
Well, it's so cool for two reasons. One I call
them the mom Squad. The fact that the three of
us plus our staff came up with an idea that
that has just grown. So that's really cool because we
always want to do something for the community and it's
our way of giving back. But to watch how the
athletic department is pitched in and now watch how Kroger
and UK Healthcare being a title sponsor. The other thing
(04:52):
that means so much to me is we go out
and we sign autographs at the end and it is
so cool because I've signed autographs for people to like,
you know, I've never been to a UK event before.
We never could there, drove from like three hours away.
But because it's free, it does some things. So it
brings a lot of different type of people that have
never been to Lexington or at least never been to campus.
(05:14):
So I just think it's such a cool event for everybody.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
And for those that haven't been to the event. Your
grounds crew goes all out for this too. They decorate
the field with different designs as well.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Yeah, our grounds crew is amazing, absolute best in the country.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
So the field itself will be decked out.
Speaker 4 (05:29):
It'll you know, I'm not sure every year they do
it differently, so Spiderwebs, you've got our ghosts out there.
We have themed characters now, so they'll be on the
field and it's an awesome event. Plus we always bring
in a great team and it's put on TV, which
really helps us also from a recruiting standpoint. The UK
Sports Video and our photography and everybody come out as well,
so it really helps us in the recruiting space. So
(05:51):
all in all, it's just a win win for everybody.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
You take on Indiana.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
That's this Friday, October tenth at seven o'clock at John
Crops Stadium. Like you mentioned, it's going to be streamed
on SEC Plus, so if you can't make it out,
you can at least tune in.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
That's a pretty big deal.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
I think this is one of maybe five Fall softball
events that end up streamed on the SEC network.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
Yeah, it's a really big deal and it really shows
the commitment of our athletic department for women's sports. The
fact that they're willing to you know, put in the
time and the resources to come in and film a
you know, out of season game really says a lot
about UK and how everybody it's in all all hands
on deck sort of situation.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
And to show the continued growth this year, you've got
a first time sponsor in UK Healthcare jumping on board
with the big Blue Boo.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
Yeah, and that for me, that's really you know, when
we first started this, I didn't even think about it,
but then as it started going, I'm like Wow, this
is a big deal. And the fact that UK Healthcare
recognizes it as willing to sponsor it really just says
a lot about you know, athletics and everybody and all
of our title sponsors.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
It's awesome.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
So for the fans at home that wish to come
to the Big Blue Boo this Friday, it's free admission
number one and also gates open at five point thirty
for the having o'clock game, so plenty of time to
get over there and like you said, do the trunk
and treat and enjoy yourselves and then watch Kentucky softball.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Yeah, it's awesome.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Yeah, And the opponent, like we mentioned, is Indiana. And
I think that's one of the neat things too about
this event is it seems like every year you bring
in not just a big name opponent, but a rival too.
It's been Tennessee in years past, it's been Louisville, now
Indiana this year.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
Well, I can't think of anybody we would rather boo
than Indiana. So I mean, you know, within the confines
of the rules of softball.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
So yeah, it'll be great.
Speaker 4 (07:31):
You know, we think of all kinds of names for
them and stuff like Halloween stuff. But it's really cool
because it gives an opportunity for also for the fans
who are really into the sport of softball to get
kind of a first big look at the new people
that we've brought in.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
Have you been able to study up on what Indiana
has this early in the fall, any real idea of Oh.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
I never look at I never look at the other
team this time of the year. I'm just trying to
I'm trying to look at us and figure out what
we have and you know, look at our strengths and see,
you know, where the areas we need to focus so
that we're you know, rolling on all cylinders in February.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I was going to ask you about that.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
In the fall, when you play these exhibitions against opponents,
obviously you want to see the team in that competitive
mode trying to beat somebody up in the opposite dugouts
what I'm trying to say. But at the same time,
how do you balance getting done what you need to do,
see what you need to see while trying to win
the game in the fall?
Speaker 4 (08:24):
Well, it's tough, right because I want to say, at
one point I felt like my record in the fall
was like, oh, and fifty four. I mean, I don't
really know what it is, but you know, so I'm
always trying to match up, like our younger players maybe
against their older players that sort of situation for two reasons. One,
I get to see how our people compete. But two,
you can coach all you want to, but the players
(08:46):
themselves have to experience experience what you're talking about before
they're willing to, you know, make changes, have goals, you know,
do that be different?
Speaker 3 (08:54):
Right?
Speaker 4 (08:54):
And so we try to put our players against the
other team. You know, we try to put young people
against the other team's strengths. And so that doesn't really
bode well for a record standpoint, but I think it's
paid off over the years just because it gives you
something to look at during the winter.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
And two, with the pitchers in the circle, I would
imagine it's a little similar to what you might see
if you were to go to spring training with Major
League Baseball. Yeah, the guys on the mound and it's
live pitches against a live hitter, but they're also trying
to work on things. Maybe they're trying to get a
certain pitch where they want it to be.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Yeah, So depending on where you are in your development,
So like some of our pitchers are working on their
developmental pitches, which is nice in a competitive situation. So
the freshmen are just trying to figure out, Okay, how
do I you know, how does this? Because I'm the
pitch caller, so they're just trying to learn me and
how we like to do things as well. So depending
where you are in your development, but yeah, we're definitely
(09:47):
always working on things. And don't get me wrong, you're
trying to get outs, but it's very different when you're
not going with your aplus stuff all the time.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Well, you've already played four scrimmages against Louisville, you've played
Eastern Kentucky, Georgetown, and you've played a Walter State Community
College team that has been a national power historically.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
So what have you learned about your team through these
early scrimmages.
Speaker 4 (10:12):
You know, I've really been impressed with the players or
returners who have stepped up into a leadership role and
so I didn't really know who was going to do
that with the turnover that we've had. So I've really
enjoyed watching you know, I've really enjoyed watching Maddie and
Sarah and then step up into a role that they
weren't necessarily comfortable taking last year, so that was really cool.
(10:33):
The other thing is we will be starting freshmen this
year and the fact that they're willing to go in
compete in the middle of the order or top of.
Speaker 3 (10:39):
The order give you some good stuff. I was really
impressed with that as well.
Speaker 1 (10:42):
Yeah, we're going to take a quick time out here
on BBN Radio presented by Clark's Pumping Shop. We've got
another segment with Coach Lawson coming up. We'll dive in
more to the team when we come back. On the
other side, you're listening to the UK Sports Network. Welcome
back to BBN Radio presented by Clark's Pumping Shop. We
say your conversation with Kentucky softball head coach Rachel Lawson
(11:03):
and coach we were talking about the fall schedule and
learning some new faces and getting to know this year's team.
In terms of individual pelayers, you've got a big one
back in Peyton Plots, who led the team last year.
She hit three point fifty nine sixteen home runs, fifty
four RBIs and for the Tates Creek High School native.
(11:26):
What do you expect as an encore from that.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
You know.
Speaker 4 (11:30):
I you know, I always expect a lot of Peyton
because she's just such a hard worker, great kid, athletic,
I mean, just awesome and really grew up at UK
sporting events, you know, with her father being a baseball player,
her mother was a volleyball player.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
You know.
Speaker 4 (11:43):
Right now she's trying she herself is trying to figure out, Okay,
what is it that I need to do to add
to my game. So I see her doing different approaches
at the blatant stuff. So I'm really excited to watch that.
It's it's not been easy so far, because when you
chance to you're great, and so it's really hard to
want to check change all of that and to level up.
But she's really taken a really mature approach about it.
(12:04):
So I'm really excited to watch her in February.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
Her outfield defense, I know, she made a crucial play
in right field against Ole Miss last year that really
helped propel the season and getting back to a regional
What have you seen from her defensively in the fall
so far.
Speaker 4 (12:17):
Well, I'll tell you the thing that I've been so
impressed with is over the last year she's really worked
on her.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Speed and her angles and stuff. So we've even had.
Speaker 4 (12:24):
Her in center field a little bit, so her freshman year,
I would have never projected that. So she's just somebody
who puts in a lot of time outside of the
field and things like that. But she looks awesome. She's
covering a ton of ground. She has a plus arm,
I mean, one of the best arms in the league.
And there's just never a day she's satisfied. She's always grinding, grinding, grinding,
So she's really a great player to have.
Speaker 5 (12:45):
On the team.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
We could probably sit here for the next little while
and talk about some key returners, but I wanted to
bring up Sarah Hendiguess too because she was one of
your aces in the bullpen last year, and I understand
she also took some summer to heal up, so she's
come into the fall ready to go fully healthy.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (13:01):
I really like so she did have to take a
break because you know, she was a little beat up
at the end of middle to end of last year.
But I'll tell you, I really love since she's come back.
First of all, she's incredibly strong, she has so much
Her body looks completely different than it did at this
time a year ago, which is a testimony to how
much work she's put in the weight room into the
nutrition side of things.
Speaker 3 (13:20):
But she's also developing.
Speaker 4 (13:22):
You know, she's got that great off speed stuff, but
she's really trying to really start to develop some arm
side stuff which is going really well.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
So very pleased with the work she's put in.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
In terms of position player spots, how the competition's been going.
Speaker 4 (13:36):
You know, we've been a little beat up, so it's
interesting because there's not a lot of competition.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
Externally for the spots.
Speaker 4 (13:43):
But what I like is people are competing with themselves
to like level up their level of play. So Ali
Blum's doing a great job at shortstop. You know, Matti
Clark is just awesome at second base, and Maddie can
play all the positions on the infield, so she moves
around a little bit.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
So really pleased with that. And then you know, CHRISA.
Speaker 4 (14:01):
Hamilton's made a move to first base and really is
embraced that role and doing a nice job.
Speaker 3 (14:06):
So really excited about that.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
You mentioned Ali, she played left field for you last year,
so she's transitioning back to the short stop.
Speaker 4 (14:13):
Yeah, she's a shortstop by trade, so yeah, she looks great.
You know, she's been working on a range and stuff
like that, but you know, every day she gets a
little bit better. And then you know, our transfer Reaganoni.
We've asked her to move to the third base position,
which she's never played before. And I'll tell you know,
last week I saw her finally flip the switch, which
(14:33):
this early in the year, that's really good.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
But you know, she's doing a nice job for us
as well.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
You talked a little bit in the last segment about
trying to learn leadership and different things in the fall.
How have you seen the leadership on this team emerge
from the players so far.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
Well, you know, we've really embraced the role of if
you see something, say something. And one one of the
things that we're trying to work on is is sometimes
people like to be non controversial and sit back and
they're like, well, that's not really my place, and so
we've done some work on people understanding no, this is
all of our team. You know, it's our team, it's
the BBN's team, it's our alumnis team, it's university's team.
(15:09):
Like everybody is a stakeholder in this team, and there's
not one person that's more important than the other. So
we've really just we've just challenged them too from a
standpoint of if you see something, you have to say something,
which is part of the integrity piece that Mitch talks
so much about. So that's something we've worked on and
people have really embraced it and ran with it.
Speaker 1 (15:28):
We're chatting with head coach Rachel Lawson from Kentucky Softball.
They're hosting the Big Blue Boo. It's Big Blue Boo
number five this Friday. It's a seven o'clock first pitch
against Indiana at John Crop Stadium. Free admission for everybody
who comes through the gates and gates will open at
five thirty. Big Blue Boo this year is sponsored by
(15:49):
UK Healthcare. In terms of your schedule for the spring,
I know the rest of it's coming out later this semester,
but your SEC slate has been announced and just curious
your thoughts on what is once again a really tough league.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
Well, it's SEC Softball, so there's never an easy year,
you know what I mean. I will say from a
scheduling standpoint, it's probably one of the more challenging schedules
in the league. Just from a standpoint of people are
heavier balanced at the top. But I love our pitching,
so I think that obviously good pitching will keep you
in any game sort of situation. So that's pretty good.
(16:25):
But the nice thing is we're hosting this year, which
is good. And when you play such a challenging schedule,
if you take you know, even if you take over
a little bit over half of those games, you're going
to be positioned really well to host as host a regional.
So we're really excited about the schedule, are excited about
the people who are coming into John Crop. I mean,
that's what the BBN wants. They want awesome competition, so
(16:47):
you know, we're looking forward to it.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
Yeah, just to hit on what you were talking about
with the challenge, four teams that were in the Women's
College World Series, six that were in super regionals last year,
and a Texas A and M team that was the
number one overall seed even though they got stunned in
a regional last year. You mentioned you loved your pitching staff,
So I want to circle back to that and ask
why what about this group stands out Well.
Speaker 3 (17:09):
A couple of things.
Speaker 4 (17:10):
One, we're really balanced from you know, from an age standpoint,
So we're young all the way through the senior class,
so that's nice. We have a lot of different looks,
and that's harder to do in softball, because you know,
in baseball you can get all the different armslots, and
softball there's really not a lot you can do about that.
But we have all the different looks. We have change
in speed, We have people who can throw down, we
(17:30):
have people who can throw up.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
We have a lot of power.
Speaker 4 (17:33):
This is by far from starter, all the way from
a closer. This is by far the most powerful pitching
staff we've ever had. Everybody's touching, you know, touching a
very high v low, which is good when they're not
changing speeds, and that's not always been the case. So
really well balanced, powerful, strong, and just really electric. So
I'm excited about this.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
Coach, I feel like I ask you this every year,
but I know you like to have a versatile lineup
that can do speed and power when this team's fully healthy.
Do you like the way a potential lineup will look
this spring for Kentucky?
Speaker 3 (18:02):
I do you know?
Speaker 4 (18:03):
Like I said, we're trying to accelerate the learning because
a lot of our talent is very young, but I'll
tell you we have we have a lot of power,
very strong pound per pound, but we have the speed
as well. So and we're putting a lot of a
lot of our energy into base running and things like
that and just really taking advantage. So you know, hopefully
those things will pay off in the spring.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
In terms of new additions, I think you've brought in
three via the transfer portal and what what have you
seen out of them and how they've integrated into the program.
Speaker 4 (18:32):
Oh, they fit right in. I mean from from the jump,
they're you know, hard working. They started using the facilities
right away, the coaching. Uh, they even started working out
in the summer when they didn't have to, they would
drive in and do their things, So that was that
was really cool. But just love them. Our team chemistry
right now is is awesome.
Speaker 5 (18:50):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (18:50):
And they've really bought into each other. And even last
night I asked where my invite was they were watching
a movie on the video board. It was like, where's
my invite or whatever. So the chemistry is good, their
work ethics good. I really feel like everybody belongs here in.
Speaker 1 (19:04):
Terms of that chemistry. Being where it is this time
of the year in October. How big is that for
a team to already be that close.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
Well, it's a big deal.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
Actually, Scholz is the one who inspired me to really
think about this, and this is how we recruited this
year and also went into the transfer portal. It was
like who gets us, like who gets Kentucky softball or
who gets what it means to be a Wildcat and
to be a part of the BBN. So we were
very intentional about the people that we brought in, about
the people, the passion that they have for each other,
(19:34):
the passion that they have for work, and just the
passion too. It's okay to be the underdog. It's a
role that you know, it's a great role. You're somebody
that likes that role, that wants to work and wants
to do, you know, amazing things. And so we were
very intentional and I think because of that, while everybody's
got a different personality, everybody has the same ambitions, which
is really nice.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
Describe what you like most about your freshman class that's
coming in this year.
Speaker 4 (20:00):
They have such a big personality, so like they could
be sitting in this room right now, first interview and
you wouldn't even know it. You thought they'd been here
their whole life, like they were meant for the stage,
they were meant for the spotlight. And I think that's
the thing that stood out to me the most. But
they also understand the responsibility it takes and what it
(20:22):
means to get to the spotlight. So even though they
can perform in it, they work their tails off to
get there.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
They don't take anything for granted.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
Last question for you, coach, I wanted to make sure
we got this in before we let you out of here.
Abby Cheat going into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame.
I know what she meant to the program when she
was here. What did it mean for you to see
her be inducted?
Speaker 2 (20:40):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (20:40):
It was so cool because Abby.
Speaker 4 (20:42):
You know, obviously she was great for the program, but
she was just so fun to watch. And the other
thing that was cool about Abby that things that don't see,
Like she went to every single sporting event she could
go to, she'd be I'd look up and she'd be
on the gymnastics floor and cheering them on, or you know,
at volleyball or basketball or whatever. I mean, she just
loved being a wildcat and that also showed through on
(21:03):
the softball field. She was so much fun to be
around and to watch and everything. I can't think of
a better ambassador for a Hall of Fame coach.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
We appreciate the time. Thanks for being with us.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
All right, thank you.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
That's head coach Rachel Lawson from Kentucky Softball. Remember they've
got the Big Blue Boo coming up Friday against Indiana,
seven o'clock, first pitch at John Crop Stadium. When we
come back on BBN Radio presented by Clark's Pumping Shop,
we'll be joined by Ellie Myers of the women's tennis
team that's coming up here on the UK Sports Network.
Welcome back into BBN Radio. We're presented by Clark's Pumping
(21:34):
Shop here on the UK Sports Network. As we transition
from softball over to the tennis courts, We've got Ellie Myers,
a senior out of Evansville, Indiana, with us from Kentucky
Women's Tennis and Ellie. The team is really just getting
into the fall portion of the schedule. You've got one
event under your belt. What's it been like this fall
with the team getting to know the new faces and
(21:56):
starting competition.
Speaker 6 (21:57):
Good morning, Thank you for having me today, So so far,
we've had one event and it was a great event.
We just went out there at Furman and we played
for three days and we showed them everything we had
and it was just a great event to kick off
the fall season. And obviously as the fall goes, we
(22:18):
get stronger, faster, better, and we're just preparing and playing
matches to get ready for the spring season.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
For the fans at home that are new to the
tennis schedule or maybe casual followers, the way it's kind
of structured as you focus on singles and doubles in
the fall and then it's more of the team championship
in the spring, right right.
Speaker 6 (22:38):
So the fall we play for ourselves to go to
NCAA's which obviously we're always playing for UK, but it
is an opportunity for individuals to go represent us, our
team and themselves out in the championships and it's like
a great opportunity, and there's many opportunities as fall to
get that wild card out into that tournament. But we
(23:00):
also play some tournaments like the Vanderbilt Invite where we
do get that team aspect, which is super fun and
it's a great way to show the freshman how a
fall or a spring match.
Speaker 1 (23:12):
Would look, Yeah, what is that dynamic like of the
individual competition within a team?
Speaker 6 (23:18):
Right, So growing up, we all obviously played junior tennis,
so we have that individual aspect. So I think it
is a hard transition to now coming onto a team
to not really rely on yourself but to fall back on.
Speaker 5 (23:33):
Your your teammates.
Speaker 6 (23:35):
And it's an incredible feeling, like looking over at the
court next to you, knowing that that girl has your back,
and when you're down, like there's somebody there that's cheering
you on, and that would definitely be something that you
were missing in juniors, and so I think that it
really motivates you and helps you through the tough moments
of a match. But it's incredible to play with girls
(23:56):
alongside of you.
Speaker 1 (23:57):
You've played some doubles matches, so I'm curious for those
that haven't played at the high level like you are,
what are the challenges of playing in a doubles match
versus a.
Speaker 6 (24:06):
Singles So doubles is the first event that we play,
and it's a very fast set and it's only six games,
so the first fifteen minutes is the most important fifteen
minutes of the match. I mean the doubles point sets
the pace for the entire match, and so it's.
Speaker 5 (24:24):
High speed, high energy. You have to be out there.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
We call it active doubles, running to your doubles partner,
yelling for the court next to you. It's just extremely
high energy and it really sets the tone for the
rest of the match.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
Obviously, chemistry is important in the doubles, So what are
some things you do or how do you seek to
build that chemistry with your teammates?
Speaker 6 (24:45):
Right, So we play with everyone during practice, so it's
just kind of see who drives together, what games work
well together, and just what personalities really go together. So
for me, I'm really at ba and loud, so maybe
if I get paired with somebody that is a little
bit more quiet, like I can help bring out that
side of them. And so I just really think that
(25:06):
it kind of depends on who just jives well together
and who can help each other succeed.
Speaker 1 (25:12):
What is practice like for a player such as yourself
or an elite team like this, what's practice like?
Speaker 2 (25:20):
How challenging is it?
Speaker 3 (25:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (25:21):
So every single day we go out to practice knowing
that there's a purpose and that we're going to play
with as much intensity as we can, because every single
day we're one step closer to getting to that Spring
in CAA Championships, and for us, that's the most important
thing that we are focused on right now, is just
making it to May.
Speaker 5 (25:42):
We're going to be a tournament team this year.
Speaker 2 (25:45):
How do you challenge yourself?
Speaker 5 (25:46):
Right?
Speaker 6 (25:47):
I challenge myself by being the best leader I can,
by helping my teammates be the best they can be too,
and just making sure that no matter what we are doing,
we are doing it with the most intensity possible and
playing to the highest standard.
Speaker 1 (26:03):
With so many faces, I was looking at your roster.
You've got people from North Carolina, Oklahoma, and then the
international players Chile and Germany, etc.
Speaker 2 (26:11):
So how do you build that chemistry?
Speaker 5 (26:13):
Right?
Speaker 6 (26:13):
It's super important that we build chemistry on and off court.
So I think that I mean our motto and Coach
Shelley's motto is that we are family, so we are one,
and we build that by hang out with each other
off court.
Speaker 5 (26:27):
We love each other like sisters.
Speaker 6 (26:29):
I really just think that it's by growing relationships with
each other that we're able to have that chemistry and
bond with each other.
Speaker 1 (26:37):
How much fun do you have with the players that
come from Germany or wherever it is. How much fun
do you have with them, introducing them to maybe the
regional lingos or maybe something local.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
Like a restaurant or something.
Speaker 6 (26:50):
Yeah, it's really fun because they teach us a lot
of stuff that we wouldn't know. There's so many things
that are different from America, and I think that it's
just really neat to be able to show them like
the things that are normal to us and just kind
of see how.
Speaker 5 (27:05):
It differs from what they do at home. And but
that's what.
Speaker 6 (27:08):
Makes us like unique and that's why tennis is just
such a blessing because it has introduced us to so
many people around the world.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
What's it like seeing them to adapt to the collegiate
game in America?
Speaker 5 (27:20):
Right?
Speaker 6 (27:21):
I think that it's definitely tough at first, but it
definitely helps that they have us girls and teammates to
rely on and we are there for them to make
sure that they do it just well.
Speaker 1 (27:34):
In terms of playing on different So, how many different
services and arenas have you played in, like indoor, outdoor
and different things like that.
Speaker 6 (27:42):
Right, So there's indoor season, outdoor season obviously once it
gets blowed fifty we move inside. There's also clay. There's
red clay, green clay, hardcourts, and there's grass. But I've
never gotten the opportunity to play in grass, but maybe
one day. Actually this summer I played on red clay
for the first time in Spain, which was an awesome experience.
(28:02):
One of my old teammates from UK lives in Madrid,
so that was another great opportunity that UK and Tennis
has brought to me.
Speaker 5 (28:09):
So I'm very lucky to have those opportunities.
Speaker 1 (28:12):
What was it like getting out on the clay surface
for the first time and adapting the house?
Speaker 5 (28:16):
It was really fun.
Speaker 6 (28:18):
Me and Zoe Hammond actually went together and so it
was just like a really neat experience. It's completely different
than anything I've ever played on before. So it was
not the best tennis but it was a great experience.
Speaker 1 (28:29):
Yeah, in terms of just going over there to Madrid, what.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
Was that like?
Speaker 6 (28:34):
Yeah, so that was my first time going to Europe,
so it was extremely exciting. It was awesome to get
submerged into their culture rather than us showing them America.
So it's very awesome to like have the roles reversed
and just to see like where my teammates come from,
and like the things that they always talk about, like
instead of imagining it, I could actually see it with
(28:56):
my own eyes.
Speaker 5 (28:57):
So it was awesome.
Speaker 1 (28:58):
Can you describe the challenges of play on the different surfaces?
And also indoor versus outcome, So.
Speaker 6 (29:04):
Even between services and indoors and outdoors, the ball plays different.
Your movement's completely different, So it's just like really important
that your feet stay intense, that you're always making adjustments,
and you don't even play the same way indoor verse outdoor.
You might Indoors plays a lot faster than outside, so
it's important that you're just willing to make adjustments and
(29:26):
to change your game.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
I imagine the atmosphere is just the overall ambiance from
the people watching it is different.
Speaker 6 (29:31):
Too, right, So the Boon Tennis Center actually gives us
a little bit of a home advantage because we only
have four indoor courts and most.
Speaker 5 (29:41):
SEC schools have six.
Speaker 6 (29:42):
So the five and six players have to wait, and
so that's kind of like our home advantage because they're
not used to that, where me and Auto we're used
to that.
Speaker 5 (29:53):
We know what's coming.
Speaker 6 (29:54):
And it's also hard because on court one that's exactly
where the bleachers are, and our fans are just like
on court one, just like screaming in their face. So
it is awesome and we're so blessed to have the boon.
Speaker 1 (30:08):
We're chatting with Ellie Myers from Kentucky Women's Tennis and
she's a senior out of Evansville, Indiana. Along those lines, Obviously,
you love playing at home here in Lexington University of Kentucky,
but are there some venues that you enjoy competing in
when the team travels?
Speaker 2 (30:25):
Right? What are some favorites.
Speaker 6 (30:27):
Some favorites of mine are LSU and I have some
really great memories at Arkansas Course.
Speaker 5 (30:33):
Yes, So it's just kind of.
Speaker 6 (30:34):
The memories that definitely make the different places unique and
there's a story with all of them, and like the
bus rides and going to all the different hotels and
going to new cities.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
It's just so fun to like make new experiences every
single year.
Speaker 1 (30:50):
We've got to take a quick break here on BBN Radio.
We're presented by Clark's Pumping Shop and we'll continue our
chat with Ellie Myers when we come back here on
the UK Sports Network. Final segment of BBN Radio presented
by Clark's Pumping Shop for this week, and we continue
our chat with Ellie Myers from Kentucky Women's Tennis, and
let's talk a little bit about the leadership role on
the team this year.
Speaker 2 (31:09):
Being a senior. Is that something that you have naturally.
Speaker 1 (31:12):
Taken to or just something you know that you need
to do, so let's step up and go for it.
Speaker 6 (31:16):
I felt like I had a little bit of a
leadership role last year, just leading the team and helping
us score victory. So I just kind of knew what
was coming this year. And I've honestly just the drive
that I have has made me a natural leader, and
I want to lead these girls to the NCAA Championships
(31:37):
in May. So I think that it's just come very natural.
And I love being a leader on the team.
Speaker 1 (31:43):
Well, and you had a chance to to learn from
past seniors like Lizzie Stevens right yes.
Speaker 6 (31:48):
And Lee's last year they were the seniors on our team,
and they did such an incredible job. They made us
all feel they would push us every single day to
be our best, and they just did such a good
job this year or so.
Speaker 1 (32:00):
And I think we've talked about new faces. I think
there's three new members of the team this year. You've
got Marina, Alina and Reese two freshmen, and then Marina
is a sophomore transfer from Indiana.
Speaker 2 (32:12):
What did they bring to the table.
Speaker 6 (32:13):
For this right, So, obviously they are great tennis players,
that's why we brought them here. But they're also incredible people,
and they make tennis so much fun and every single
day they show up with great attitudes, and everyone has
such a great work ethic and they all we all
push each other to be the best that we can
be on the court.
Speaker 1 (32:31):
We're chatting with La Myers from Kentucky Women's Tennis, And
before we dive any even further into some stuff that
you're passionate about off the court, I wanted to circle
back to when was it that you first fell in
love with tennis? What attracted you to the sight?
Speaker 6 (32:46):
So I started playing tennis when I was around four
years old. My parents, yes, they owned a tennis club,
so I just kind of grew up around it and
it was just something that I ended up falling in
love with and it kept me busy when I was younger,
but then it soon became something that really just consumed
all of my time. Like every single weekend I was traveling.
(33:07):
I always wanted to be on the court. I even
moved away from my family. So it's just been such
an incredible experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Speaker 2 (33:15):
What was that experience like of leaving the family for
the first time to go play.
Speaker 6 (33:19):
Yeah, So I had to do what I needed to
do to become a better tennis player, to grow, to
get these new experiences, to have the best coaching in
the country.
Speaker 5 (33:28):
So that meant that I had to give.
Speaker 6 (33:31):
Up school and my parents, and I was willing to
do that, but it brought me so many opportunities that
I'm so grateful that I got that chance to go
and play somewhere else.
Speaker 1 (33:42):
Who are some coaches or maybe some players that have
really been an influence on you as a player.
Speaker 6 (33:47):
So my coach at home, his name's Peter. He's from England.
He's awesome. He's taught some of the best pros in
the world and has led many of his players to
Grand Slam championships. And he is really just taught me
how to just that you can work harder than anyone
else and that's going to get.
Speaker 5 (34:06):
You where what you deserve. So yeah, He's really showed
me how to be the best tennis player possible.
Speaker 2 (34:12):
Do you have a favorite player, pastor present?
Speaker 6 (34:15):
Yeah, So growing up I really envied Serena. Just the
sisterly love really got to me because I have two
sisters and growing up we would always compete and play
against each other, and so Serena and Venus always really
resonated with me.
Speaker 1 (34:31):
And then in terms of just their play, I would
imagine you probably looked into a little bit of everything
they do to become the player that they did or
have that play right.
Speaker 6 (34:41):
So growing up watching the professionals like they all they
did was spend time on the tennis court and everything.
They devoted everything to the game. So I really was
influenced by them and just realizing that you are going
to have to give up some opportunities that a normal
kid would have to to get to play this game
(35:01):
at a high level.
Speaker 1 (35:03):
Ellie, I'm sure you have aspirations to play at the
pro level. So how are you using this year to
help Kentucky first, but also prepare yourself for the next level.
Speaker 6 (35:11):
So obviously Kentucky's number one, but I do want to
improve as much as I can this year, and I
hope that one day I could play on tour.
Speaker 5 (35:22):
That's always the goal.
Speaker 6 (35:24):
I think that Kentucky and playing in the SEC, that's
going to give me the opportunity to play against great
girls that are looking to go pro. So because we're
in the best conference in the country, we're playing against
the best girls in the country, So it really sets
you up well to be able to go professional.
Speaker 1 (35:40):
You kind of led me into my next question for
maybe the casual fans. What is it like competing in
the SEC for tennis?
Speaker 5 (35:46):
Right?
Speaker 6 (35:46):
So in tennis, the best girls are in the SEC.
Speaker 5 (35:50):
I mean the conference is extremely tough.
Speaker 6 (35:53):
We have fifteen SEC matches and every single one of
those will be a dogfight. I mean there is no
no easy match, there's no easy team.
Speaker 5 (36:03):
Everybody is going to push you to your limits.
Speaker 1 (36:05):
Out there chatting with Ellie Myers from Kentucky Women's Tennis,
and you've documented your journey as a D one athlete.
I wanted to make sure and mention this fans can
follow you lifestyle Instagram. It's Fueling four Hands. At Fueling
four Hands, tell us a little bit about that.
Speaker 6 (36:22):
So me and one of my teammates Auto were inspired
to create an Instagram page that just kind of like
summed up what it's like as a D one athlete.
No one really knows what exactly we do all day long,
and so we really want like friends and family to
be able to see everything that goes into this sport,
because I mean, there's twenty four hours in the day,
(36:43):
and all twenty four hours of the day are going
towards becoming a better tennis player. And I also think
that it was our goal to inspire other girls to
want to do this and to want to play at
a D one level.
Speaker 1 (36:57):
What is that balancing act like for you being student and.
Speaker 6 (37:01):
Athletes, right, it's just important that we do things that
are fun and give us time with each other, and
we do things that make us happy, and there's a
balance between on and off court. I think that it's
extremely important to make sure that you're doing things that
rest your body, get your mind away from tennis for
a little bit.
Speaker 1 (37:21):
Well, and two we've already talked about this a little bit,
but I feel like with any sport that you play
at a high level, there's really no off season because
even when you're not competing for the NCAA Championships, like
maybe over the summer you're going places like Spain and
competing there right.
Speaker 6 (37:35):
So for tennis, they're growing up. We never had an
off season, so we're pretty used to it. But I
will say it is tough. It's very tough. Your body
really never gets that chance to recover. But we're playing
all season and even summer it's brutal. We play multiple
tournaments all summer long. We're training because when we come
back to school, we want to be in peak shape
(37:58):
ready to go, because it is the opportunity to go
to NCAA's For an individuals.
Speaker 1 (38:02):
It's going back to the Instagram at fueling Forehands. What's
maybe the biggest piece of advice you would give to
a perspective collegiate athlete.
Speaker 6 (38:11):
I would say that no matter how hard it gets,
to always persevere and push on because this opportunity is
one percent worth it and being a student athlete is
the best experience that I've ever gotten to do.
Speaker 1 (38:25):
So well, we talked about how your singles and doubles
have started for the fall, the events are really starting
to ramp up, and you're you're really pushing and preparing
for the spring when the team championships occur. So I
want to go back though, to competing in singles and
what that's like at the collegiate level. The intensity of
these matches, what's that take us?
Speaker 2 (38:45):
Since rights with you.
Speaker 6 (38:47):
So matches are extremely intense and every single point matters,
and so it's important that if something's going wrong that
we fix it immediately. And it is extremely how in
college tennis that you have your coach out there on court,
which is.
Speaker 5 (39:03):
Something that was different from juniors.
Speaker 6 (39:04):
You weren't allowed to speak to anybody that was outside
the tennis match, so it's just you out there. And
so obviously I've learned how to handle that match pressure
on my own, but it is extremely nice having your
coach out there cheering you on, and also your teammates
alongside of you. But yeah, every single match is intense
and we don't have time to like pow about how
(39:26):
you're playing. It's it doesn't matter what kind of game
you're playing that day. You better get out there and
try your best.
Speaker 2 (39:32):
Ellie, what's the.
Speaker 1 (39:32):
Team dynamic like during singles competition because I would imagine
you're supporting your teammates, but at the same time, you
have to focus on your own.
Speaker 6 (39:40):
Match, right, right, So it's a little bit tough to
find that balance, but it's just important that if you
hear something from your teammates court, you cheer them on.
Speaker 5 (39:49):
Even if you didn't see the shot.
Speaker 6 (39:50):
Tell them good shot, you know, just making sure that
they can hear you and they feel your presence.
Speaker 1 (39:55):
So, God, just a couple of minutes left in the show.
So I wanted to ask you about Kentucky and what
was the pool to bring you to Lexington and what's
the experience been like competing for the Cats?
Speaker 2 (40:05):
Right?
Speaker 6 (40:05):
So, I knew that I wanted to play for a
high level school, and when Kentucky reached out, I was
extremely excited and to play in the SEC. I knew
that was like the best opportunity that I could get,
and I knew that it was going to push me
to be the best tennis player possible. So I came
on my visit and absolutely fell in love with the program,
(40:26):
the girls, the coaches, just everything.
Speaker 5 (40:28):
So it's been amazing.
Speaker 2 (40:30):
Your parents are still in Evansville. That's not far to
come watch you, right, Yeah, So.
Speaker 6 (40:34):
It is really nice having my family be able to
travel across the country and watch me play. No matter
where I am, They're always there watching me.
Speaker 5 (40:42):
And supporting me.
Speaker 2 (40:43):
Ellie, thanks so much for coming on the show with
us this week.
Speaker 5 (40:45):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (40:46):
We look forward to watching you and your team compete
and go for those singles and doubles and then in
the spring.
Speaker 2 (40:52):
For the team championship.
Speaker 1 (40:53):
That's going to do it for our show here this
week on BBN Radio, presented by Clark's Pump and Shop.
Remember it's a big for UK Athletics. You've got the
volleyball team and a Top ten showdown Wednesday night at
Texas A and M. Friday night it's men's soccer. We've
got Big Blue Boo with Kentucky Softball and then Saturday
Big Blue Madness over at Rupp Arena. So a lot
of exciting things going on around campus throughout the week.
Speaker 2 (41:17):
We'll talk to you next Monday. Right here.
Speaker 1 (41:18):
This is Clark's Pumping Shot, BBN Radio on the UK
Sports Network
Tonight we serve up a chat with women's tennis and
things get spooky on the diamond at John Crop Stadium.
Good evening everybody, and welcome in to BBN Radio presented
by Clark's pumpin Shop. I'm Darren Hedrick and before we
dive into our guests on the show tonight, just catching
up on some news around UK athletics because it is
another busy week. Yesterday baseball won their fall exhibition game
(00:22):
against West Virginia up at Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio.
The Cats scored twenty six runs across fourteen innings and
a really impressive showing against the Mountaineers in that rematch
from last year's regional women's soccer dropped a heartbreaker versus
number twenty four Vandy two to one. Was that final.
The soccer team is now nine to four and one
(00:44):
three two to one in SEC play. They'll be at
Old Miss on Friday with an eight o'clock first kick.
In terms of men's soccer, there at Marshall Friday night,
seven fifteen first kick for the men's soccer team. Volleyball's
got a huge matchup on Wednesday. This is a Top
ten showdown the third ranked Cats will take on a
(01:04):
top ten Texas A and M team. That's Wednesday, October eighth,
first Serve at seven pm down in College Station, Texas.
And of course Big Blue Madness Saturday, October eleventh, that's
a six o'clock start at Rupparena for the showcase of
the men's and women's basketball teams. And there's also another
big event this weekend and that's the fifth edition of
(01:25):
the Big Blue Boo with the Kentucky Women's softball and
coming up on the show, we'll chat with head coach
Rachel Mawson about that, plus her team and how they're
doing so far in their fall scrimmages and fall practice,
and later in the show will be joined by Ellie Myers,
a senior from women's tennis. That's all coming up on
BBN Radio presented by Clark's Pumping Shop.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
This is the UK Sports Network.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Welcome back into BBN Radio presented by Clark's Pumpin' Shop.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Is Kentucky.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
It's got a busy week all across the courts and
the fields, and one of the events that we're excited
about this Friday is the return of Big Blue Boo
and to talk about that as well as how her
team's doing so far through their fall practices and scrimmages.
We have head coach Rachel Lawson with us and coach
it's always fun to have the Big Blue Boo event,
and I believe this is year number five of that.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
It is. Yeah, it's an awesome event.
Speaker 4 (02:17):
You know, we love it because it gives our players
an opportunity to play in front of a big crowd.
But it's just such a cool event for the community.
Everybody pitches in. It started as just something that Coach
Belcher's moms and I came up with, and now it's
being sponsored by UK Healthcare. So what a cool event
looking forward to it.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
You led me right into my first question. What was
the germ of the idea to create this event in
the fall?
Speaker 4 (02:41):
Well, you know, it was something we always did a
Halloween practice, and then I was like, you know what
in typical my staff's fashion, I was like, well, since
we're going to do the practice anyway, why don't we
just open it up to you know, our alumni and
our fans and stuff like that. And then I was like, well,
if we're going to get support, we might as well
just have a game, and so first year was a
(03:01):
little bit crazy. We didn't we just expected a couple
of people to come show up. It ended up having
you know, over fifteen hundred people. We had no security,
we had nothing. There were two moms were kind of
like my bouncers we had. I mean, there was like
nobody there and we were trying to find candy at
a coach times's office.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
Like it. It was nuts.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
And so the next year, you know, we were like, okay,
we need to anticipate this in the athletic department started
chipping in. Athletes from other teams come in and they
volunteered to work all the booths for their kids. And
now we're at an awesome, awesome event with a title sponsor.
Speaker 3 (03:34):
So it's very cool.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
So what obviously there's the softball game, but what are
some events going on? Because I know you've had trigger treading,
kids can wear costumes and that sort of thing.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
Yeah, so what we do is we have we have
a bunch of tents that are set up so it's
like a it's like a trunk, you know, a trunk
or trade and stept for its tents. But because we're athletics,
you got to you got to earn your candy or
your toys or whatever. So you know, Kroger pitches in
and they supply all the candy and then there's just
you know, there's thousands and thousands of toys that you
can get. So there's a contest that each ten. Each
(04:03):
ten is themed. Like I said, it's worked by athletes
from other teams, so a lot of volunteers, a lot
of people helping our marketing department, our operations. It's a
full thing, but it is packed with kids. They have
an absolutely great time and we love it because it's
within the confines of the stadium, so it's a really
safe event and it's just awesome for families.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
So, like you were saying, this event has just taken
off year after year. How fun has it been for
you to watch it grow into a spectacle.
Speaker 4 (04:29):
Well, it's so cool for two reasons. One I call
them the mom Squad. The fact that the three of
us plus our staff came up with an idea that
that has just grown. So that's really cool because we
always want to do something for the community and it's
our way of giving back. But to watch how the
athletic department is pitched in and now watch how Kroger
and UK Healthcare being a title sponsor. The other thing
(04:52):
that means so much to me is we go out
and we sign autographs at the end and it is
so cool because I've signed autographs for people to like,
you know, I've never been to a UK event before.
We never could there, drove from like three hours away.
But because it's free, it does some things. So it
brings a lot of different type of people that have
never been to Lexington or at least never been to campus.
(05:14):
So I just think it's such a cool event for everybody.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
And for those that haven't been to the event. Your
grounds crew goes all out for this too. They decorate
the field with different designs as well.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Yeah, our grounds crew is amazing, absolute best in the country.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
So the field itself will be decked out.
Speaker 4 (05:29):
It'll you know, I'm not sure every year they do
it differently, so Spiderwebs, you've got our ghosts out there.
We have themed characters now, so they'll be on the
field and it's an awesome event. Plus we always bring
in a great team and it's put on TV, which
really helps us also from a recruiting standpoint. The UK
Sports Video and our photography and everybody come out as well,
so it really helps us in the recruiting space. So
(05:51):
all in all, it's just a win win for everybody.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
You take on Indiana.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
That's this Friday, October tenth at seven o'clock at John
Crops Stadium. Like you mentioned, it's going to be streamed
on SEC Plus, so if you can't make it out,
you can at least tune in.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
That's a pretty big deal.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
I think this is one of maybe five Fall softball
events that end up streamed on the SEC network.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
Yeah, it's a really big deal and it really shows
the commitment of our athletic department for women's sports. The
fact that they're willing to you know, put in the
time and the resources to come in and film a
you know, out of season game really says a lot
about UK and how everybody it's in all all hands
on deck sort of situation.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
And to show the continued growth this year, you've got
a first time sponsor in UK Healthcare jumping on board
with the big Blue Boo.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
Yeah, and that for me, that's really you know, when
we first started this, I didn't even think about it,
but then as it started going, I'm like Wow, this
is a big deal. And the fact that UK Healthcare
recognizes it as willing to sponsor it really just says
a lot about you know, athletics and everybody and all
of our title sponsors.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
It's awesome.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
So for the fans at home that wish to come
to the Big Blue Boo this Friday, it's free admission
number one and also gates open at five point thirty
for the having o'clock game, so plenty of time to
get over there and like you said, do the trunk
and treat and enjoy yourselves and then watch Kentucky softball.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Yeah, it's awesome.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Yeah, And the opponent, like we mentioned, is Indiana. And
I think that's one of the neat things too about
this event is it seems like every year you bring
in not just a big name opponent, but a rival too.
It's been Tennessee in years past, it's been Louisville, now
Indiana this year.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
Well, I can't think of anybody we would rather boo
than Indiana. So I mean, you know, within the confines
of the rules of softball.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
So yeah, it'll be great.
Speaker 4 (07:31):
You know, we think of all kinds of names for
them and stuff like Halloween stuff. But it's really cool
because it gives an opportunity for also for the fans
who are really into the sport of softball to get
kind of a first big look at the new people
that we've brought in.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
Have you been able to study up on what Indiana
has this early in the fall, any real idea of Oh.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
I never look at I never look at the other
team this time of the year. I'm just trying to
I'm trying to look at us and figure out what
we have and you know, look at our strengths and see,
you know, where the areas we need to focus so
that we're you know, rolling on all cylinders in February.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I was going to ask you about that.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
In the fall, when you play these exhibitions against opponents,
obviously you want to see the team in that competitive
mode trying to beat somebody up in the opposite dugouts
what I'm trying to say. But at the same time,
how do you balance getting done what you need to do,
see what you need to see while trying to win
the game in the fall?
Speaker 4 (08:24):
Well, it's tough, right because I want to say, at
one point I felt like my record in the fall
was like, oh, and fifty four. I mean, I don't
really know what it is, but you know, so I'm
always trying to match up, like our younger players maybe
against their older players that sort of situation for two reasons. One,
I get to see how our people compete. But two,
you can coach all you want to, but the players
(08:46):
themselves have to experience experience what you're talking about before
they're willing to, you know, make changes, have goals, you know,
do that be different?
Speaker 3 (08:54):
Right?
Speaker 4 (08:54):
And so we try to put our players against the
other team. You know, we try to put young people
against the other team's strengths. And so that doesn't really
bode well for a record standpoint, but I think it's
paid off over the years just because it gives you
something to look at during the winter.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
And two, with the pitchers in the circle, I would
imagine it's a little similar to what you might see
if you were to go to spring training with Major
League Baseball. Yeah, the guys on the mound and it's
live pitches against a live hitter, but they're also trying
to work on things. Maybe they're trying to get a
certain pitch where they want it to be.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Yeah, So depending on where you are in your development,
So like some of our pitchers are working on their
developmental pitches, which is nice in a competitive situation. So
the freshmen are just trying to figure out, Okay, how
do I you know, how does this? Because I'm the
pitch caller, so they're just trying to learn me and
how we like to do things as well. So depending
where you are in your development, but yeah, we're definitely
(09:47):
always working on things. And don't get me wrong, you're
trying to get outs, but it's very different when you're
not going with your aplus stuff all the time.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Well, you've already played four scrimmages against Louisville, you've played
Eastern Kentucky, Georgetown, and you've played a Walter State Community
College team that has been a national power historically.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
So what have you learned about your team through these
early scrimmages.
Speaker 4 (10:12):
You know, I've really been impressed with the players or
returners who have stepped up into a leadership role and
so I didn't really know who was going to do
that with the turnover that we've had. So I've really
enjoyed watching you know, I've really enjoyed watching Maddie and
Sarah and then step up into a role that they
weren't necessarily comfortable taking last year, so that was really cool.
(10:33):
The other thing is we will be starting freshmen this
year and the fact that they're willing to go in
compete in the middle of the order or top of.
Speaker 3 (10:39):
The order give you some good stuff. I was really
impressed with that as well.
Speaker 1 (10:42):
Yeah, we're going to take a quick time out here
on BBN Radio presented by Clark's Pumping Shop. We've got
another segment with Coach Lawson coming up. We'll dive in
more to the team when we come back. On the
other side, you're listening to the UK Sports Network. Welcome
back to BBN Radio presented by Clark's Pumping Shop. We
say your conversation with Kentucky softball head coach Rachel Lawson
(11:03):
and coach we were talking about the fall schedule and
learning some new faces and getting to know this year's team.
In terms of individual pelayers, you've got a big one
back in Peyton Plots, who led the team last year.
She hit three point fifty nine sixteen home runs, fifty
four RBIs and for the Tates Creek High School native.
(11:26):
What do you expect as an encore from that.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
You know.
Speaker 4 (11:30):
I you know, I always expect a lot of Peyton
because she's just such a hard worker, great kid, athletic,
I mean, just awesome and really grew up at UK
sporting events, you know, with her father being a baseball player,
her mother was a volleyball player.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
You know.
Speaker 4 (11:43):
Right now she's trying she herself is trying to figure out, Okay,
what is it that I need to do to add
to my game. So I see her doing different approaches
at the blatant stuff. So I'm really excited to watch that.
It's it's not been easy so far, because when you
chance to you're great, and so it's really hard to
want to check change all of that and to level up.
But she's really taken a really mature approach about it.
(12:04):
So I'm really excited to watch her in February.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
Her outfield defense, I know, she made a crucial play
in right field against Ole Miss last year that really
helped propel the season and getting back to a regional
What have you seen from her defensively in the fall
so far.
Speaker 4 (12:17):
Well, I'll tell you the thing that I've been so
impressed with is over the last year she's really worked
on her.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Speed and her angles and stuff. So we've even had.
Speaker 4 (12:24):
Her in center field a little bit, so her freshman year,
I would have never projected that. So she's just somebody
who puts in a lot of time outside of the
field and things like that. But she looks awesome. She's
covering a ton of ground. She has a plus arm,
I mean, one of the best arms in the league.
And there's just never a day she's satisfied. She's always grinding, grinding, grinding,
So she's really a great player to have.
Speaker 5 (12:45):
On the team.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
We could probably sit here for the next little while
and talk about some key returners, but I wanted to
bring up Sarah Hendiguess too because she was one of
your aces in the bullpen last year, and I understand
she also took some summer to heal up, so she's
come into the fall ready to go fully healthy.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (13:01):
I really like so she did have to take a
break because you know, she was a little beat up
at the end of middle to end of last year.
But I'll tell you, I really love since she's come back.
First of all, she's incredibly strong, she has so much
Her body looks completely different than it did at this
time a year ago, which is a testimony to how
much work she's put in the weight room into the
nutrition side of things.
Speaker 3 (13:20):
But she's also developing.
Speaker 4 (13:22):
You know, she's got that great off speed stuff, but
she's really trying to really start to develop some arm
side stuff which is going really well.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
So very pleased with the work she's put in.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
In terms of position player spots, how the competition's been going.
Speaker 4 (13:36):
You know, we've been a little beat up, so it's
interesting because there's not a lot of competition.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
Externally for the spots.
Speaker 4 (13:43):
But what I like is people are competing with themselves
to like level up their level of play. So Ali
Blum's doing a great job at shortstop. You know, Matti
Clark is just awesome at second base, and Maddie can
play all the positions on the infield, so she moves
around a little bit.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
So really pleased with that. And then you know, CHRISA.
Speaker 4 (14:01):
Hamilton's made a move to first base and really is
embraced that role and doing a nice job.
Speaker 3 (14:06):
So really excited about that.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
You mentioned Ali, she played left field for you last year,
so she's transitioning back to the short stop.
Speaker 4 (14:13):
Yeah, she's a shortstop by trade, so yeah, she looks great.
You know, she's been working on a range and stuff
like that, but you know, every day she gets a
little bit better. And then you know, our transfer Reaganoni.
We've asked her to move to the third base position,
which she's never played before. And I'll tell you know,
last week I saw her finally flip the switch, which
(14:33):
this early in the year, that's really good.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
But you know, she's doing a nice job for us
as well.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
You talked a little bit in the last segment about
trying to learn leadership and different things in the fall.
How have you seen the leadership on this team emerge
from the players so far.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
Well, you know, we've really embraced the role of if
you see something, say something. And one one of the
things that we're trying to work on is is sometimes
people like to be non controversial and sit back and
they're like, well, that's not really my place, and so
we've done some work on people understanding no, this is
all of our team. You know, it's our team, it's
the BBN's team, it's our alumnis team, it's university's team.
(15:09):
Like everybody is a stakeholder in this team, and there's
not one person that's more important than the other. So
we've really just we've just challenged them too from a
standpoint of if you see something, you have to say something,
which is part of the integrity piece that Mitch talks
so much about. So that's something we've worked on and
people have really embraced it and ran with it.
Speaker 1 (15:28):
We're chatting with head coach Rachel Lawson from Kentucky Softball.
They're hosting the Big Blue Boo. It's Big Blue Boo
number five this Friday. It's a seven o'clock first pitch
against Indiana at John Crop Stadium. Free admission for everybody
who comes through the gates and gates will open at
five thirty. Big Blue Boo this year is sponsored by
(15:49):
UK Healthcare. In terms of your schedule for the spring,
I know the rest of it's coming out later this semester,
but your SEC slate has been announced and just curious
your thoughts on what is once again a really tough league.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
Well, it's SEC Softball, so there's never an easy year,
you know what I mean. I will say from a
scheduling standpoint, it's probably one of the more challenging schedules
in the league. Just from a standpoint of people are
heavier balanced at the top. But I love our pitching,
so I think that obviously good pitching will keep you
in any game sort of situation. So that's pretty good.
(16:25):
But the nice thing is we're hosting this year, which
is good. And when you play such a challenging schedule,
if you take you know, even if you take over
a little bit over half of those games, you're going
to be positioned really well to host as host a regional.
So we're really excited about the schedule, are excited about
the people who are coming into John Crop. I mean,
that's what the BBN wants. They want awesome competition, so
(16:47):
you know, we're looking forward to it.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
Yeah, just to hit on what you were talking about
with the challenge, four teams that were in the Women's
College World Series, six that were in super regionals last year,
and a Texas A and M team that was the
number one overall seed even though they got stunned in
a regional last year. You mentioned you loved your pitching staff,
So I want to circle back to that and ask
why what about this group stands out Well.
Speaker 3 (17:09):
A couple of things.
Speaker 4 (17:10):
One, we're really balanced from you know, from an age standpoint,
So we're young all the way through the senior class,
so that's nice. We have a lot of different looks,
and that's harder to do in softball, because you know,
in baseball you can get all the different armslots, and
softball there's really not a lot you can do about that.
But we have all the different looks. We have change
in speed, We have people who can throw down, we
(17:30):
have people who can throw up.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
We have a lot of power.
Speaker 4 (17:33):
This is by far from starter, all the way from
a closer. This is by far the most powerful pitching
staff we've ever had. Everybody's touching, you know, touching a
very high v low, which is good when they're not
changing speeds, and that's not always been the case. So
really well balanced, powerful, strong, and just really electric. So
I'm excited about this.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
Coach, I feel like I ask you this every year,
but I know you like to have a versatile lineup
that can do speed and power when this team's fully healthy.
Do you like the way a potential lineup will look
this spring for Kentucky?
Speaker 3 (18:02):
I do you know?
Speaker 4 (18:03):
Like I said, we're trying to accelerate the learning because
a lot of our talent is very young, but I'll
tell you we have we have a lot of power,
very strong pound per pound, but we have the speed
as well. So and we're putting a lot of a
lot of our energy into base running and things like
that and just really taking advantage. So you know, hopefully
those things will pay off in the spring.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
In terms of new additions, I think you've brought in
three via the transfer portal and what what have you
seen out of them and how they've integrated into the program.
Speaker 4 (18:32):
Oh, they fit right in. I mean from from the jump,
they're you know, hard working. They started using the facilities
right away, the coaching. Uh, they even started working out
in the summer when they didn't have to, they would
drive in and do their things, So that was that
was really cool. But just love them. Our team chemistry
right now is is awesome.
Speaker 5 (18:50):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (18:50):
And they've really bought into each other. And even last
night I asked where my invite was they were watching
a movie on the video board. It was like, where's
my invite or whatever. So the chemistry is good, their
work ethics good. I really feel like everybody belongs here in.
Speaker 1 (19:04):
Terms of that chemistry. Being where it is this time
of the year in October. How big is that for
a team to already be that close.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
Well, it's a big deal.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
Actually, Scholz is the one who inspired me to really
think about this, and this is how we recruited this
year and also went into the transfer portal. It was
like who gets us, like who gets Kentucky softball or
who gets what it means to be a Wildcat and
to be a part of the BBN. So we were
very intentional about the people that we brought in, about
the people, the passion that they have for each other,
(19:34):
the passion that they have for work, and just the
passion too. It's okay to be the underdog. It's a
role that you know, it's a great role. You're somebody
that likes that role, that wants to work and wants
to do, you know, amazing things. And so we were
very intentional and I think because of that, while everybody's
got a different personality, everybody has the same ambitions, which
is really nice.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
Describe what you like most about your freshman class that's
coming in this year.
Speaker 4 (20:00):
They have such a big personality, so like they could
be sitting in this room right now, first interview and
you wouldn't even know it. You thought they'd been here
their whole life, like they were meant for the stage,
they were meant for the spotlight. And I think that's
the thing that stood out to me the most. But
they also understand the responsibility it takes and what it
(20:22):
means to get to the spotlight. So even though they
can perform in it, they work their tails off to
get there.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
They don't take anything for granted.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
Last question for you, coach, I wanted to make sure
we got this in before we let you out of here.
Abby Cheat going into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame.
I know what she meant to the program when she
was here. What did it mean for you to see
her be inducted?
Speaker 2 (20:40):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (20:40):
It was so cool because Abby.
Speaker 4 (20:42):
You know, obviously she was great for the program, but
she was just so fun to watch. And the other
thing that was cool about Abby that things that don't see,
Like she went to every single sporting event she could
go to, she'd be I'd look up and she'd be
on the gymnastics floor and cheering them on, or you know,
at volleyball or basketball or whatever. I mean, she just
loved being a wildcat and that also showed through on
(21:03):
the softball field. She was so much fun to be
around and to watch and everything. I can't think of
a better ambassador for a Hall of Fame coach.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
We appreciate the time. Thanks for being with us.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
All right, thank you.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
That's head coach Rachel Lawson from Kentucky Softball. Remember they've
got the Big Blue Boo coming up Friday against Indiana,
seven o'clock, first pitch at John Crop Stadium. When we
come back on BBN Radio presented by Clark's Pumping Shop,
we'll be joined by Ellie Myers of the women's tennis
team that's coming up here on the UK Sports Network.
Welcome back into BBN Radio. We're presented by Clark's Pumping
(21:34):
Shop here on the UK Sports Network. As we transition
from softball over to the tennis courts, We've got Ellie Myers,
a senior out of Evansville, Indiana, with us from Kentucky
Women's Tennis and Ellie. The team is really just getting
into the fall portion of the schedule. You've got one
event under your belt. What's it been like this fall
with the team getting to know the new faces and
(21:56):
starting competition.
Speaker 6 (21:57):
Good morning, Thank you for having me today, So so far,
we've had one event and it was a great event.
We just went out there at Furman and we played
for three days and we showed them everything we had
and it was just a great event to kick off
the fall season. And obviously as the fall goes, we
(22:18):
get stronger, faster, better, and we're just preparing and playing
matches to get ready for the spring season.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
For the fans at home that are new to the
tennis schedule or maybe casual followers, the way it's kind
of structured as you focus on singles and doubles in
the fall and then it's more of the team championship
in the spring, right right.
Speaker 6 (22:38):
So the fall we play for ourselves to go to
NCAA's which obviously we're always playing for UK, but it
is an opportunity for individuals to go represent us, our
team and themselves out in the championships and it's like
a great opportunity, and there's many opportunities as fall to
get that wild card out into that tournament. But we
(23:00):
also play some tournaments like the Vanderbilt Invite where we
do get that team aspect, which is super fun and
it's a great way to show the freshman how a
fall or a spring match.
Speaker 1 (23:12):
Would look, Yeah, what is that dynamic like of the
individual competition within a team?
Speaker 6 (23:18):
Right, So growing up, we all obviously played junior tennis,
so we have that individual aspect. So I think it
is a hard transition to now coming onto a team
to not really rely on yourself but to fall back on.
Speaker 5 (23:33):
Your your teammates.
Speaker 6 (23:35):
And it's an incredible feeling, like looking over at the
court next to you, knowing that that girl has your back,
and when you're down, like there's somebody there that's cheering
you on, and that would definitely be something that you
were missing in juniors, and so I think that it
really motivates you and helps you through the tough moments
of a match. But it's incredible to play with girls
(23:56):
alongside of you.
Speaker 1 (23:57):
You've played some doubles matches, so I'm curious for those
that haven't played at the high level like you are,
what are the challenges of playing in a doubles match
versus a.
Speaker 6 (24:06):
Singles So doubles is the first event that we play,
and it's a very fast set and it's only six games,
so the first fifteen minutes is the most important fifteen
minutes of the match. I mean the doubles point sets
the pace for the entire match, and so it's.
Speaker 5 (24:24):
High speed, high energy. You have to be out there.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
We call it active doubles, running to your doubles partner,
yelling for the court next to you. It's just extremely
high energy and it really sets the tone for the
rest of the match.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
Obviously, chemistry is important in the doubles, So what are
some things you do or how do you seek to
build that chemistry with your teammates?
Speaker 6 (24:45):
Right, So we play with everyone during practice, so it's
just kind of see who drives together, what games work
well together, and just what personalities really go together. So
for me, I'm really at ba and loud, so maybe
if I get paired with somebody that is a little
bit more quiet, like I can help bring out that
side of them. And so I just really think that
(25:06):
it kind of depends on who just jives well together
and who can help each other succeed.
Speaker 1 (25:12):
What is practice like for a player such as yourself
or an elite team like this, what's practice like?
Speaker 2 (25:20):
How challenging is it?
Speaker 3 (25:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (25:21):
So every single day we go out to practice knowing
that there's a purpose and that we're going to play
with as much intensity as we can, because every single
day we're one step closer to getting to that Spring
in CAA Championships, and for us, that's the most important
thing that we are focused on right now, is just
making it to May.
Speaker 5 (25:42):
We're going to be a tournament team this year.
Speaker 2 (25:45):
How do you challenge yourself?
Speaker 5 (25:46):
Right?
Speaker 6 (25:47):
I challenge myself by being the best leader I can,
by helping my teammates be the best they can be too,
and just making sure that no matter what we are doing,
we are doing it with the most intensity possible and
playing to the highest standard.
Speaker 1 (26:03):
With so many faces, I was looking at your roster.
You've got people from North Carolina, Oklahoma, and then the
international players Chile and Germany, etc.
Speaker 2 (26:11):
So how do you build that chemistry?
Speaker 5 (26:13):
Right?
Speaker 6 (26:13):
It's super important that we build chemistry on and off court.
So I think that I mean our motto and Coach
Shelley's motto is that we are family, so we are one,
and we build that by hang out with each other
off court.
Speaker 5 (26:27):
We love each other like sisters.
Speaker 6 (26:29):
I really just think that it's by growing relationships with
each other that we're able to have that chemistry and
bond with each other.
Speaker 1 (26:37):
How much fun do you have with the players that
come from Germany or wherever it is. How much fun
do you have with them, introducing them to maybe the
regional lingos or maybe something local.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
Like a restaurant or something.
Speaker 6 (26:50):
Yeah, it's really fun because they teach us a lot
of stuff that we wouldn't know. There's so many things
that are different from America, and I think that it's
just really neat to be able to show them like
the things that are normal to us and just kind
of see how.
Speaker 5 (27:05):
It differs from what they do at home. And but
that's what.
Speaker 6 (27:08):
Makes us like unique and that's why tennis is just
such a blessing because it has introduced us to so
many people around the world.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
What's it like seeing them to adapt to the collegiate
game in America?
Speaker 5 (27:20):
Right?
Speaker 6 (27:21):
I think that it's definitely tough at first, but it
definitely helps that they have us girls and teammates to
rely on and we are there for them to make
sure that they do it just well.
Speaker 1 (27:34):
In terms of playing on different So, how many different
services and arenas have you played in, like indoor, outdoor
and different things like that.
Speaker 6 (27:42):
Right, So there's indoor season, outdoor season obviously once it
gets blowed fifty we move inside. There's also clay. There's
red clay, green clay, hardcourts, and there's grass. But I've
never gotten the opportunity to play in grass, but maybe
one day. Actually this summer I played on red clay
for the first time in Spain, which was an awesome experience.
(28:02):
One of my old teammates from UK lives in Madrid,
so that was another great opportunity that UK and Tennis
has brought to me.
Speaker 5 (28:09):
So I'm very lucky to have those opportunities.
Speaker 1 (28:12):
What was it like getting out on the clay surface
for the first time and adapting the house?
Speaker 5 (28:16):
It was really fun.
Speaker 6 (28:18):
Me and Zoe Hammond actually went together and so it
was just like a really neat experience. It's completely different
than anything I've ever played on before. So it was
not the best tennis but it was a great experience.
Speaker 1 (28:29):
Yeah, in terms of just going over there to Madrid, what.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
Was that like?
Speaker 6 (28:34):
Yeah, so that was my first time going to Europe,
so it was extremely exciting. It was awesome to get
submerged into their culture rather than us showing them America.
So it's very awesome to like have the roles reversed
and just to see like where my teammates come from,
and like the things that they always talk about, like
instead of imagining it, I could actually see it with
(28:56):
my own eyes.
Speaker 5 (28:57):
So it was awesome.
Speaker 1 (28:58):
Can you describe the challenges of play on the different surfaces?
And also indoor versus outcome, So.
Speaker 6 (29:04):
Even between services and indoors and outdoors, the ball plays different.
Your movement's completely different, So it's just like really important
that your feet stay intense, that you're always making adjustments,
and you don't even play the same way indoor verse outdoor.
You might Indoors plays a lot faster than outside, so
it's important that you're just willing to make adjustments and
(29:26):
to change your game.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
I imagine the atmosphere is just the overall ambiance from
the people watching it is different.
Speaker 6 (29:31):
Too, right, So the Boon Tennis Center actually gives us
a little bit of a home advantage because we only
have four indoor courts and most.
Speaker 5 (29:41):
SEC schools have six.
Speaker 6 (29:42):
So the five and six players have to wait, and
so that's kind of like our home advantage because they're
not used to that, where me and Auto we're used
to that.
Speaker 5 (29:53):
We know what's coming.
Speaker 6 (29:54):
And it's also hard because on court one that's exactly
where the bleachers are, and our fans are just like
on court one, just like screaming in their face. So
it is awesome and we're so blessed to have the boon.
Speaker 1 (30:08):
We're chatting with Ellie Myers from Kentucky Women's Tennis and
she's a senior out of Evansville, Indiana. Along those lines, Obviously,
you love playing at home here in Lexington University of Kentucky,
but are there some venues that you enjoy competing in
when the team travels?
Speaker 2 (30:25):
Right? What are some favorites.
Speaker 6 (30:27):
Some favorites of mine are LSU and I have some
really great memories at Arkansas Course.
Speaker 5 (30:33):
Yes, So it's just kind of.
Speaker 6 (30:34):
The memories that definitely make the different places unique and
there's a story with all of them, and like the
bus rides and going to all the different hotels and
going to new cities.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
It's just so fun to like make new experiences every
single year.
Speaker 1 (30:50):
We've got to take a quick break here on BBN Radio.
We're presented by Clark's Pumping Shop and we'll continue our
chat with Ellie Myers when we come back here on
the UK Sports Network. Final segment of BBN Radio presented
by Clark's Pumping Shop for this week, and we continue
our chat with Ellie Myers from Kentucky Women's Tennis, and
let's talk a little bit about the leadership role on
the team this year.
Speaker 2 (31:09):
Being a senior. Is that something that you have naturally.
Speaker 1 (31:12):
Taken to or just something you know that you need
to do, so let's step up and go for it.
Speaker 6 (31:16):
I felt like I had a little bit of a
leadership role last year, just leading the team and helping
us score victory. So I just kind of knew what
was coming this year. And I've honestly just the drive
that I have has made me a natural leader, and
I want to lead these girls to the NCAA Championships
(31:37):
in May. So I think that it's just come very natural.
And I love being a leader on the team.
Speaker 1 (31:43):
Well, and you had a chance to to learn from
past seniors like Lizzie Stevens right yes.
Speaker 6 (31:48):
And Lee's last year they were the seniors on our team,
and they did such an incredible job. They made us
all feel they would push us every single day to
be our best, and they just did such a good
job this year or so.
Speaker 1 (32:00):
And I think we've talked about new faces. I think
there's three new members of the team this year. You've
got Marina, Alina and Reese two freshmen, and then Marina
is a sophomore transfer from Indiana.
Speaker 2 (32:12):
What did they bring to the table.
Speaker 6 (32:13):
For this right, So, obviously they are great tennis players,
that's why we brought them here. But they're also incredible people,
and they make tennis so much fun and every single
day they show up with great attitudes, and everyone has
such a great work ethic and they all we all
push each other to be the best that we can
be on the court.
Speaker 1 (32:31):
We're chatting with La Myers from Kentucky Women's Tennis, And
before we dive any even further into some stuff that
you're passionate about off the court, I wanted to circle
back to when was it that you first fell in
love with tennis? What attracted you to the sight?
Speaker 6 (32:46):
So I started playing tennis when I was around four
years old. My parents, yes, they owned a tennis club,
so I just kind of grew up around it and
it was just something that I ended up falling in
love with and it kept me busy when I was younger,
but then it soon became something that really just consumed
all of my time. Like every single weekend I was traveling.
(33:07):
I always wanted to be on the court. I even
moved away from my family. So it's just been such
an incredible experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Speaker 2 (33:15):
What was that experience like of leaving the family for
the first time to go play.
Speaker 6 (33:19):
Yeah, So I had to do what I needed to
do to become a better tennis player, to grow, to
get these new experiences, to have the best coaching in
the country.
Speaker 5 (33:28):
So that meant that I had to give.
Speaker 6 (33:31):
Up school and my parents, and I was willing to
do that, but it brought me so many opportunities that
I'm so grateful that I got that chance to go
and play somewhere else.
Speaker 1 (33:42):
Who are some coaches or maybe some players that have
really been an influence on you as a player.
Speaker 6 (33:47):
So my coach at home, his name's Peter. He's from England.
He's awesome. He's taught some of the best pros in
the world and has led many of his players to
Grand Slam championships. And he is really just taught me
how to just that you can work harder than anyone
else and that's going to get.
Speaker 5 (34:06):
You where what you deserve. So yeah, He's really showed
me how to be the best tennis player possible.
Speaker 2 (34:12):
Do you have a favorite player, pastor present?
Speaker 6 (34:15):
Yeah, So growing up I really envied Serena. Just the
sisterly love really got to me because I have two
sisters and growing up we would always compete and play
against each other, and so Serena and Venus always really
resonated with me.
Speaker 1 (34:31):
And then in terms of just their play, I would
imagine you probably looked into a little bit of everything
they do to become the player that they did or
have that play right.
Speaker 6 (34:41):
So growing up watching the professionals like they all they
did was spend time on the tennis court and everything.
They devoted everything to the game. So I really was
influenced by them and just realizing that you are going
to have to give up some opportunities that a normal
kid would have to to get to play this game
(35:01):
at a high level.
Speaker 1 (35:03):
Ellie, I'm sure you have aspirations to play at the
pro level. So how are you using this year to
help Kentucky first, but also prepare yourself for the next level.
Speaker 6 (35:11):
So obviously Kentucky's number one, but I do want to
improve as much as I can this year, and I
hope that one day I could play on tour.
Speaker 5 (35:22):
That's always the goal.
Speaker 6 (35:24):
I think that Kentucky and playing in the SEC, that's
going to give me the opportunity to play against great
girls that are looking to go pro. So because we're
in the best conference in the country, we're playing against
the best girls in the country, So it really sets
you up well to be able to go professional.
Speaker 1 (35:40):
You kind of led me into my next question for
maybe the casual fans. What is it like competing in
the SEC for tennis?
Speaker 5 (35:46):
Right?
Speaker 6 (35:46):
So in tennis, the best girls are in the SEC.
Speaker 5 (35:50):
I mean the conference is extremely tough.
Speaker 6 (35:53):
We have fifteen SEC matches and every single one of
those will be a dogfight. I mean there is no
no easy match, there's no easy team.
Speaker 5 (36:03):
Everybody is going to push you to your limits.
Speaker 1 (36:05):
Out there chatting with Ellie Myers from Kentucky Women's Tennis,
and you've documented your journey as a D one athlete.
I wanted to make sure and mention this fans can
follow you lifestyle Instagram. It's Fueling four Hands. At Fueling
four Hands, tell us a little bit about that.
Speaker 6 (36:22):
So me and one of my teammates Auto were inspired
to create an Instagram page that just kind of like
summed up what it's like as a D one athlete.
No one really knows what exactly we do all day long,
and so we really want like friends and family to
be able to see everything that goes into this sport,
because I mean, there's twenty four hours in the day,
(36:43):
and all twenty four hours of the day are going
towards becoming a better tennis player. And I also think
that it was our goal to inspire other girls to
want to do this and to want to play at
a D one level.
Speaker 1 (36:57):
What is that balancing act like for you being student and.
Speaker 6 (37:01):
Athletes, right, it's just important that we do things that
are fun and give us time with each other, and
we do things that make us happy, and there's a
balance between on and off court. I think that it's
extremely important to make sure that you're doing things that
rest your body, get your mind away from tennis for
a little bit.
Speaker 1 (37:21):
Well, and two we've already talked about this a little bit,
but I feel like with any sport that you play
at a high level, there's really no off season because
even when you're not competing for the NCAA Championships, like
maybe over the summer you're going places like Spain and
competing there right.
Speaker 6 (37:35):
So for tennis, they're growing up. We never had an
off season, so we're pretty used to it. But I
will say it is tough. It's very tough. Your body
really never gets that chance to recover. But we're playing
all season and even summer it's brutal. We play multiple
tournaments all summer long. We're training because when we come
back to school, we want to be in peak shape
(37:58):
ready to go, because it is the opportunity to go
to NCAA's For an individuals.
Speaker 1 (38:02):
It's going back to the Instagram at fueling Forehands. What's
maybe the biggest piece of advice you would give to
a perspective collegiate athlete.
Speaker 6 (38:11):
I would say that no matter how hard it gets,
to always persevere and push on because this opportunity is
one percent worth it and being a student athlete is
the best experience that I've ever gotten to do.
Speaker 1 (38:25):
So well, we talked about how your singles and doubles
have started for the fall, the events are really starting
to ramp up, and you're you're really pushing and preparing
for the spring when the team championships occur. So I
want to go back though, to competing in singles and
what that's like at the collegiate level. The intensity of
these matches, what's that take us?
Speaker 2 (38:45):
Since rights with you.
Speaker 6 (38:47):
So matches are extremely intense and every single point matters,
and so it's important that if something's going wrong that
we fix it immediately. And it is extremely how in
college tennis that you have your coach out there on court,
which is.
Speaker 5 (39:03):
Something that was different from juniors.
Speaker 6 (39:04):
You weren't allowed to speak to anybody that was outside
the tennis match, so it's just you out there. And
so obviously I've learned how to handle that match pressure
on my own, but it is extremely nice having your
coach out there cheering you on, and also your teammates
alongside of you. But yeah, every single match is intense
and we don't have time to like pow about how
(39:26):
you're playing. It's it doesn't matter what kind of game
you're playing that day. You better get out there and
try your best.
Speaker 2 (39:32):
Ellie, what's the.
Speaker 1 (39:32):
Team dynamic like during singles competition because I would imagine
you're supporting your teammates, but at the same time, you
have to focus on your own.
Speaker 6 (39:40):
Match, right, right, So it's a little bit tough to
find that balance, but it's just important that if you
hear something from your teammates court, you cheer them on.
Speaker 5 (39:49):
Even if you didn't see the shot.
Speaker 6 (39:50):
Tell them good shot, you know, just making sure that
they can hear you and they feel your presence.
Speaker 1 (39:55):
So, God, just a couple of minutes left in the show.
So I wanted to ask you about Kentucky and what
was the pool to bring you to Lexington and what's
the experience been like competing for the Cats?
Speaker 2 (40:05):
Right?
Speaker 6 (40:05):
So, I knew that I wanted to play for a
high level school, and when Kentucky reached out, I was
extremely excited and to play in the SEC. I knew
that was like the best opportunity that I could get,
and I knew that it was going to push me
to be the best tennis player possible. So I came
on my visit and absolutely fell in love with the program,
(40:26):
the girls, the coaches, just everything.
Speaker 5 (40:28):
So it's been amazing.
Speaker 2 (40:30):
Your parents are still in Evansville. That's not far to
come watch you, right, Yeah, So.
Speaker 6 (40:34):
It is really nice having my family be able to
travel across the country and watch me play. No matter
where I am, They're always there watching me.
Speaker 5 (40:42):
And supporting me.
Speaker 2 (40:43):
Ellie, thanks so much for coming on the show with
us this week.
Speaker 5 (40:45):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (40:46):
We look forward to watching you and your team compete
and go for those singles and doubles and then in
the spring.
Speaker 2 (40:52):
For the team championship.
Speaker 1 (40:53):
That's going to do it for our show here this
week on BBN Radio, presented by Clark's Pump and Shop.
Remember it's a big for UK Athletics. You've got the
volleyball team and a Top ten showdown Wednesday night at
Texas A and M. Friday night it's men's soccer. We've
got Big Blue Boo with Kentucky Softball and then Saturday
Big Blue Madness over at Rupp Arena. So a lot
of exciting things going on around campus throughout the week.
Speaker 2 (41:17):
We'll talk to you next Monday. Right here.
Speaker 1 (41:18):
This is Clark's Pumping Shot, BBN Radio on the UK
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