15 CHAMPIONSHIPS

RANK IN TOP 15 OF THE DIRECTORS’ CUP

BY THE YEAR 2015

15 CHAMPIONSHIPS

RANK IN TOP 15 OF THE DIRECTORS’ CUP

BY THE YEAR 2015

2009 UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORTJOE CRAFT CENTER • 338 LEXINGTON AVENUE • LEXINGTON, KY 40506-0604

CONTENTS> Realizing his Dreams...........................................2

> Embracing the Challenge....................................4

> 2008-09 Athletic Year in Review ..........................6

> Mastering Leadership..........................................8

> Creating Lasting Memories ...............................10

> Preparing for Future Success ...........................12

> Making History ...................................................14

> Devoted to Serving ............................................16

> Marketing a Winning Brand...............................18

> Conquering Adversity........................................20

> Proudly Providing Support ...............................22

> Financial Integrity ..............................................24

2008-09UK BOARD OF TRUSTEES(as of June 30, 2009)Mira S. Ball, ChairStephen P. Branscum, Vice ChairPamela T. May, SecretaryEdward Britt BrockmanPenelope A. BrownJo Hern CurrisDermontti F. DawsonAnn Brand HaneyJames F. HardymonEverett McCorveyBilly Joe MilesTyler MontellSandy Bugie PattersonPhillip R. PattonErwin RobertsCharles R. SachatelloC. Frank ShoopJoEtta Y. WickliffeErnest J. Yanarella

(as of June 30, 2009)Bruno AgostinelliCharles W. ArnoldFrank ButlerCharles CassisDermontti F. DawsonLuther DeatonAlan DeSantisVictoria DunlapC. M. GattonVictor HazardScott KelleyKathi KernFrank ShoopWilliam B. SturgillKumble SubbaswamyLee T. Todd, Jr.Bruce WalcottLionel Williamson

Emeritus MemberS. T. Roach

CREDITSThe 2008-09 University of Kentucky Athletics Annual Reportis published by the UK Athletics Association, Mitch Barnhart,Director. This publication was written and edited by Eric Lind-sey, Evan Crane, Craig Hornberger and the UK AthleticsMedia Relations Staff. Design by Craig Hornberger. Photogra-phy by David Coyle and Team Coyle, and CherylTreworgy/PrettySporty.com. Printing by Welch Printing.

UK Athletics AssociationJoe Craft Center338 Lexington AvenueLexington, KY 40506-0604UKathletics.com

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15 CHAMPIONSHIPS

RANK IN TOP 15 OF THE DIRECTORS’ CUP

BY THE YEAR 2015

2008-09UK ATHLETIC BOARD

1

Dear Friend of UK Athletics,

I am pleased to send you a copy of our 2009 AnnualReport. As an integral part of the Big Blue Nation,I trust you find it informative and inspiring.

In November of 2008, I presented our coaches and staffwith a new challenge: to refuse to become satisfied with ourmany recent accomplishments and to move forward as adepartment with a new set of ambitious goals.

As a tangible way to measure our progress, we unveiled anew 15 x 15 x 15 initiative. The stated goals of this initiativeare to win 1155 conference or national championships andfinish in the top 1155 of the national Directors’ Cup rankingsby the year of 201155. At the same time, we made a renewedcommitment to be innovative in all areas of our daily opera-tion and to raise our social awareness within the Lexingtoncommunity and the Commonwealth. Along with thespecial place UK Athletics holds in the hearts and mindsof those who live in this great state, there comes a responsi-bility to help lift others up – especially in this unprecedentedtime of national economic crisis.

Our pursuit and ultimate attainment of the 15 x 15 x 15goals will place UK Athletics among an elite groupof schools, in terms of both athletic accomplish-ment and social involvement.

In the following pages, we’ll celebrate highlights fromthe 2008-09 athletic year and preview some of the excit-ing plans that are on the horizon for our department.We’ll also profile a few extraordinary individuals and areasof impact within UK Athletics that already exemplify whatour department – as a whole – aspires to become over thenext six years.

With the continued unwavering efforts of UK administra-tion, our athletes, coaches and staff, as well as the supportof our loyal fans, I am confident we can fulfill the bold vi-sion outlined in our 15 x 15 x 15 plan.

Go Cats,

1

It is often all too easy to forget themeaning, importance and hard workthat goes into being a student-athlete.

It’s more than just what an athlete does onthe field. Equally, if not more important, ishow they choose to spend their time awayfrom the action of collegiate competition.

To be a student-athlete is to balance gamesand practices with the full-time job of goingto class, doing homework and even servingthe community.

There are hundreds of great examples atUK, but it would be tough to find a morecomplete student-athlete than Tim Masthay.

During his career at Kentucky, Masthay did it all. When hewasn’t on the field for the Kentucky football team, Masthaywas excelling in the classroom and in the community. TheMurray, Ky., native is a three-time Southeastern ConferenceAcademic Honor Roll honoree and a two-time Academic All-American, as chosen by the College Sports Information Direc-tors of America and ESPN The Magazine.

Masthay did all that while helping the UKfootball team win three straight bowl gamesfor the first time in program history. TheAll-SEC honoree was an integral part of theWildcats’ success, serving as the team’s punterand kickoff specialist the last four years.

Given all the time Tim Masthay invests infootball and academics, it is hard to imaginehe would have time left to do anything else.But that’s what sets Masthay and otherstudent-athletes at UK apart from others: thewill to do more.

Masthay is deeply committed to servingthe community. While at UK, he volun-teered at hospitals, contributed at the

Salvation Army, participated in food drives and spent twoweeks on an educational and service trip to Ghana. His out-standing record of volunteerism was no doubt a factor in hisselection to UK’s prestigious Frank Ham Society of Character.

So how does one find time to excel in the classroom, on thefield and in the community?

“I know it sounds cheesy, but I want to serve my country and makea difference in the world.”

— Tim Masthay

“For me, it all came down to having a great support staffaround me,” Masthay said. “My teammates are great,the administration is great, the coaches are great,and then, on an individual level, it just camedown to prioritizing.”

And nobody’s priorities are more in placethan Masthay’s. He signed a free agent con-tract with the NFL Indianapolis Colts in thespring and plans to give professional footballa try, but he says that won’t stop him fromhis ultimate goal of joining the PeaceCorps in Africa within the next five years.

“I know it sounds cheesy, but I wantto serve my country and make a differ-ence in the world.”

> Among his many volunteer activitieswhile a student-athlete at UK, punter TimMasthay spent two weeks on an educa-tional and service trip to the African country ofGhana in May 2008. While there, he participated invarious service projects at a school and orphanage.

2 3

It is often all too easy to forget themeaning, importance and hard workthat goes into being a student-athlete.

It’s more than just what an athlete does onthe field. Equally, if not more important, ishow they choose to spend their time awayfrom the action of collegiate competition.

To be a student-athlete is to balance gamesand practices with the full-time job of goingto class, doing homework and even servingthe community.

There are hundreds of great examples atUK, but it would be tough to find a morecomplete student-athlete than Tim Masthay.

During his career at Kentucky, Masthay did it all. When hewasn’t on the field for the Kentucky football team, Masthaywas excelling in the classroom and in the community. TheMurray, Ky., native is a three-time Southeastern ConferenceAcademic Honor Roll honoree and a two-time Academic All-American, as chosen by the College Sports Information Direc-tors of America and ESPN The Magazine.

Masthay did all that while helping the UKfootball team win three straight bowl gamesfor the first time in program history. TheAll-SEC honoree was an integral part of theWildcats’ success, serving as the team’s punterand kickoff specialist the last four years.

Given all the time Tim Masthay invests infootball and academics, it is hard to imaginehe would have time left to do anything else.But that’s what sets Masthay and otherstudent-athletes at UK apart from others: thewill to do more.

Masthay is deeply committed to servingthe community. While at UK, he volun-teered at hospitals, contributed at the

Salvation Army, participated in food drives and spent twoweeks on an educational and service trip to Ghana. His out-standing record of volunteerism was no doubt a factor in hisselection to UK’s prestigious Frank Ham Society of Character.

So how does one find time to excel in the classroom, on thefield and in the community?

“I know it sounds cheesy, but I want to serve my country and makea difference in the world.”

— Tim Masthay

“For me, it all came down to having a great support staffaround me,” Masthay said. “My teammates are great,the administration is great, the coaches are great,and then, on an individual level, it just camedown to prioritizing.”

And nobody’s priorities are more in placethan Masthay’s. He signed a free agent con-tract with the NFL Indianapolis Colts in thespring and plans to give professional footballa try, but he says that won’t stop him fromhis ultimate goal of joining the PeaceCorps in Africa within the next five years.

“I know it sounds cheesy, but I wantto serve my country and make a differ-ence in the world.”

> Among his many volunteer activitieswhile a student-athlete at UK, punter TimMasthay spent two weeks on an educa-tional and service trip to the African country ofGhana in May 2008. While there, he participated invarious service projects at a school and orphanage.

2 3

5

If a program is going to set a lofty goal like the 15 x 15x 15 plan, it better have an ace in the hole to conquerthe feat.

Kentucky has such an ace in Harry Mullins. Thanks toMullins’ guidance and tutelage, the UK rifle team has becomesynonymous with championships.

Mullins, who took over the rifle program in 1987 after adistinguished career as a student-athlete at UK, has transformedit into a perennial powerhouse. With Mullins’ decorated résuméand well-documented history of winning, there is no shortageof expectations for his team: win championships and winthem often.

“Our job is to win championships and the administration’sjob is to count them,” Mullins said.

The counting has already started. Behind the meticulous lead-ership of Mullins, Kentucky captured its first cham-

pionships toward the 15 x 15 x 15 plan lastfall. A 10-1 season, including a perfect

6-0 in the Great American RifleConference, helped UK to the

GARC regular-season championship. Mullins added to his shrineof trophies with a GARC tournament title weeks later. In all, hisUK teams have captured eight championships – five GARC tour-nament titles and three GARC conference crowns.

The only bare spot in Mullins’ trophy case has been reserved fora national championship trophy, a feat he’s come agonizingly closeto several times. UK has posted eight top-three national finishesunder Mullins, including a national runner-up finish this year.

Although his time could become bogged down in polishing offcountless championship trophies, Mullins dedicates most of histime shaping student-athletes. He has coached many greatshooters, including 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist NancyNapoliski, and his team is annually one of the most successfulacademic programs in the nation.

“I enjoy the opportunity to coach at my alma mater,” Mullinssaid. “From a coach’s perspective, it is a dream come true. As acompetitor, you establish a special bond and pride for the univer-sity. To have the opportunity to help instill that pride in student-athletes is an amazing responsibility.”

“For us to have the opportunity to contribute to Kentucky’schampionships is a great honor.”

— Harry Mullins, Head Rifle Coach

One of the most respected namesin his sport, UKhead rifle coach HarryMullins led the 2009Wildcats to conferenceregular season and tourna-ment championships, and a second-place finishat the NCAA Championships.

4

5

If a program is going to set a lofty goal like the 15 x 15x 15 plan, it better have an ace in the hole to conquerthe feat.

Kentucky has such an ace in Harry Mullins. Thanks toMullins’ guidance and tutelage, the UK rifle team has becomesynonymous with championships.

Mullins, who took over the rifle program in 1987 after adistinguished career as a student-athlete at UK, has transformedit into a perennial powerhouse. With Mullins’ decorated résuméand well-documented history of winning, there is no shortageof expectations for his team: win championships and winthem often.

“Our job is to win championships and the administration’sjob is to count them,” Mullins said.

The counting has already started. Behind the meticulous lead-ership of Mullins, Kentucky captured its first cham-

pionships toward the 15 x 15 x 15 plan lastfall. A 10-1 season, including a perfect

6-0 in the Great American RifleConference, helped UK to the

GARC regular-season championship. Mullins added to his shrineof trophies with a GARC tournament title weeks later. In all, hisUK teams have captured eight championships – five GARC tour-nament titles and three GARC conference crowns.

The only bare spot in Mullins’ trophy case has been reserved fora national championship trophy, a feat he’s come agonizingly closeto several times. UK has posted eight top-three national finishesunder Mullins, including a national runner-up finish this year.

Although his time could become bogged down in polishing offcountless championship trophies, Mullins dedicates most of histime shaping student-athletes. He has coached many greatshooters, including 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist NancyNapoliski, and his team is annually one of the most successfulacademic programs in the nation.

“I enjoy the opportunity to coach at my alma mater,” Mullinssaid. “From a coach’s perspective, it is a dream come true. As acompetitor, you establish a special bond and pride for the univer-sity. To have the opportunity to help instill that pride in student-athletes is an amazing responsibility.”

“For us to have the opportunity to contribute to Kentucky’schampionships is a great honor.”

— Harry Mullins, Head Rifle Coach

One of the most respected namesin his sport, UKhead rifle coach HarryMullins led the 2009Wildcats to conferenceregular season and tourna-ment championships, and a second-place finishat the NCAA Championships.

4

7

When Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart laidout the 15 x 15 x 15 plan, he called forchampionships, team success and individual

accomplishments.

During the 2008-09 athletic year, Kentucky embarked onthe plan by capturing coveted titles and historic milestones.From football to rifle, Kentucky raised the bar and proved thatit is well on its way to becoming a top-15 athletics program.

The football team – under the steady leadership of sixth-yearhead coach Rich Brooks – headed south for a third consecutivepostseason, defeating East Carolina in the AutoZone LibertyBowl in Memphis, Tenn. It marked the third consecutive sea-son UK had won its bowl game — a first in program history.

Likewise, the volleyball program continued to make hugestrides toward becoming a perennial Southeastern Confer-ence power. Led by fourth-year head coach Craig Skinner,the Wildcats enjoyed a 26-win season and advanced to theNCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season.Among UK’s school-record 17 conference victories was adramatic come-from-behind five-set win over No. 12Florida in front of the fifth-largest crowd in school history.

By virtue of its outstanding regular season and other factors,Kentucky was chosen as a host site for the first and secondrounds of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.

The men’s soccer team posted runner-up finishes in theConference USA regular season and tournament champi-onship en route to a No. 21 national ranking. The Wildcatsengineered a school-record 10-match unbeaten streak duringthe season and ranked 25th nationally in home attendance.

In women’s cross country, the Wildcats returned to theNCAA Championships for the first time in 19 years, placing31st in the nation. Senior Jessica Ortman was the team’s top

finisher at NCAAs and at every meet during the 2009 season.On the men’s team, Adam Henken became the first male per-former to run at the NCAA Championships since 2003.

Harry Mullins and the rifle team captured the first of whatwill likely be multiple championships over the next few years.As his teams have done so often during his 21-year reign as headcoach, the rifle team carried the banner for UK in 2008-09.

The Wildcats won the Great American Rifle Conferenceregular season with an undefeated league mark and edgedWest Virginia to win the GARC tournament title. Kentuckynearly pulled off the trifecta at the NCAA Championships,finishing as the national runner-up.

The perennially strong swimming and diving teams hadseveral relays finish in the top 10 at the NCAA Champi-onships, while numerous school records were shatteredthroughout the season.

The basketball season was marked by outstanding individualaccomplishments. All-American Jodie Meeks broke Dan Issel’shallowed single-game scoring record with 54 points atTennessee. The women’s team advanced to the National Invi-tation Tournament for the second year in a row, behind theplay of All-SEC performers Eleia Roddy and Victoria Dunlap.

The softball team didn’t just make strides under second-yearhead coach Rachel Lawson – it made leaps. UK made theNCAA Tournament for the first time in school history,advancing to the regional finals. Molly Johnson became theprogram’s first All-American. She joined Megan Yocke on theAll-SEC and Southeast All-Region teams.

Women’s golf returned to postseason play for the first timesince 2000, competing in the NCAA Championships inColumbus, Ohio. The men participated in the NCAA Tour-nament for the fifth time in the last six years.

The tennis teams continued to meet and raise the bar as well.UK was selected as one of 16 host teams for the first and sec-ond rounds of the 2009 NCAA Men’s Tennis Tournament,while the women’s team made the championships for the 13thconsecutive season. Bruno Agostinelli advanced to the quarter-finals of the NCAA men’s singles tournament, while the dou-bles team of Carolina Escamilla and Caroline Lilley made it tothe Round of 16 in the NCAA women’s doubles tournament.

Track and Field produced three individual SEC champions in2009 (Ashley Trimble in the pentathlon and Rashaud Scott andAshley Muffet in the discus) while Rondel Sorrillo finished sec-ond in the 200m dash at the outdoor NCAA Championships.

“I’m very proud of this team and very proud of their run in post-season play. Prior to this season, I don’t think we understood howgood we could be.”

— Head Softball Coach Rachel Lawson, following team’s first NCAA appearance

> Ashley Muffet (above, left)won an SEC title in the discusand was the top individualwomen’s point scorer at the out-door league championships, whileBruno Agostinelli advanced to thequarterfinals of the 2009 NCAAmen’s tennis singles tournament.

> The football team ended the 2008 season with a victoryin the AutoZone LibertyBowl to clincha historic third consecutive bowl win.

6

Barry Rice (above, left) was named Conference USADefensive Player of the Year in men’s soccer for the secondconsecutive season, while Mallory Blackwelder helpedpower the women’s golf team and the softball team earnedits first NCAA Tournament bid.

7

When Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart laidout the 15 x 15 x 15 plan, he called forchampionships, team success and individual

accomplishments.

During the 2008-09 athletic year, Kentucky embarked onthe plan by capturing coveted titles and historic milestones.From football to rifle, Kentucky raised the bar and proved thatit is well on its way to becoming a top-15 athletics program.

The football team – under the steady leadership of sixth-yearhead coach Rich Brooks – headed south for a third consecutivepostseason, defeating East Carolina in the AutoZone LibertyBowl in Memphis, Tenn. It marked the third consecutive sea-son UK had won its bowl game — a first in program history.

Likewise, the volleyball program continued to make hugestrides toward becoming a perennial Southeastern Confer-ence power. Led by fourth-year head coach Craig Skinner,the Wildcats enjoyed a 26-win season and advanced to theNCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season.Among UK’s school-record 17 conference victories was adramatic come-from-behind five-set win over No. 12Florida in front of the fifth-largest crowd in school history.

By virtue of its outstanding regular season and other factors,Kentucky was chosen as a host site for the first and secondrounds of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.

The men’s soccer team posted runner-up finishes in theConference USA regular season and tournament champi-onship en route to a No. 21 national ranking. The Wildcatsengineered a school-record 10-match unbeaten streak duringthe season and ranked 25th nationally in home attendance.

In women’s cross country, the Wildcats returned to theNCAA Championships for the first time in 19 years, placing31st in the nation. Senior Jessica Ortman was the team’s top

finisher at NCAAs and at every meet during the 2009 season.On the men’s team, Adam Henken became the first male per-former to run at the NCAA Championships since 2003.

Harry Mullins and the rifle team captured the first of whatwill likely be multiple championships over the next few years.As his teams have done so often during his 21-year reign as headcoach, the rifle team carried the banner for UK in 2008-09.

The Wildcats won the Great American Rifle Conferenceregular season with an undefeated league mark and edgedWest Virginia to win the GARC tournament title. Kentuckynearly pulled off the trifecta at the NCAA Championships,finishing as the national runner-up.

The perennially strong swimming and diving teams hadseveral relays finish in the top 10 at the NCAA Champi-onships, while numerous school records were shatteredthroughout the season.

The basketball season was marked by outstanding individualaccomplishments. All-American Jodie Meeks broke Dan Issel’shallowed single-game scoring record with 54 points atTennessee. The women’s team advanced to the National Invi-tation Tournament for the second year in a row, behind theplay of All-SEC performers Eleia Roddy and Victoria Dunlap.

The softball team didn’t just make strides under second-yearhead coach Rachel Lawson – it made leaps. UK made theNCAA Tournament for the first time in school history,advancing to the regional finals. Molly Johnson became theprogram’s first All-American. She joined Megan Yocke on theAll-SEC and Southeast All-Region teams.

Women’s golf returned to postseason play for the first timesince 2000, competing in the NCAA Championships inColumbus, Ohio. The men participated in the NCAA Tour-nament for the fifth time in the last six years.

The tennis teams continued to meet and raise the bar as well.UK was selected as one of 16 host teams for the first and sec-ond rounds of the 2009 NCAA Men’s Tennis Tournament,while the women’s team made the championships for the 13thconsecutive season. Bruno Agostinelli advanced to the quarter-finals of the NCAA men’s singles tournament, while the dou-bles team of Carolina Escamilla and Caroline Lilley made it tothe Round of 16 in the NCAA women’s doubles tournament.

Track and Field produced three individual SEC champions in2009 (Ashley Trimble in the pentathlon and Rashaud Scott andAshley Muffet in the discus) while Rondel Sorrillo finished sec-ond in the 200m dash at the outdoor NCAA Championships.

“I’m very proud of this team and very proud of their run in post-season play. Prior to this season, I don’t think we understood howgood we could be.”

— Head Softball Coach Rachel Lawson, following team’s first NCAA appearance

> Ashley Muffet (above, left)won an SEC title in the discusand was the top individualwomen’s point scorer at the out-door league championships, whileBruno Agostinelli advanced to thequarterfinals of the 2009 NCAAmen’s tennis singles tournament.

> The football team ended the 2008 season with a victoryin the AutoZone LibertyBowl to clincha historic third consecutive bowl win.

6

Barry Rice (above, left) was named Conference USADefensive Player of the Year in men’s soccer for the secondconsecutive season, while Mallory Blackwelder helpedpower the women’s golf team and the softball team earnedits first NCAA Tournament bid.

8 9

All great teams have a face – someone whom coaches,players and fans alike quickly attribute much of theprogram’s success, notoriety and persona.

Think Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls or Derek Jeterand the New York Yankees.

For the Kentucky volleyball team, its face has a big brightsmile, wavy red hair and a first-class personality. It’s the face ofthe program’s first Southeastern Conference Player of the Year,setter Sarah Rumely.

“All of the awards that Sarah has received throughout her careerare earned,” head volleyball coach Craig Skinner said. “Nobodyworks harder or is more committed than her.”

The New Palestine, Ind., native knows how to win and that’s allshe has done since putting on the Blue and White. In the pastthree seasons, Rumely has led UK to more wins (67) in a three-year stretch since the team did it in the mid-1990s. Her freshmanseason she was named SEC Freshman of the Year, and she is onlythe third player in UK history to tally over 4,000 career assists.

Rumely’s list of awards and accomplishments doesn’t stopthere. She became just the seventh player in school history to be

named an American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Ameri-can and earned first-team AVCA All-South Region honors.

Probably the most rewarding accomplishment for Rumely todate, however, was doing something that no UK volleyball teamhas done in a long time: beat SEC powerhouse Florida.

The Gators have long set the standard in SEC volleyball andno team in the conference has been able to stand up to Floridaover the last decade-plus. On a perfect afternoon in November,however, Rumely and the Wildcats did just that – defeatingFlorida for the first time in 18 years.

“We won this for the program, which has struggled to beat[Florida] in the past,” Rumely said. “This is one of those greatmoments that you will never forget.”

Despite her many personal accolades and everything she hashelped her team accomplish, the rising senior remains humbleabout being able to wear the Kentucky blue.

“Playing in front of the outstanding fans we have here andhaving Kentucky written across your chest is a tremendousfeeling,” Rumely said.

> Sarah Rumely excels on the volleyball court and in the classroom. Twice she has earned CoSIDA/ESPNThe Magazine Academic All-District honors and is a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient.

“All of the awards that Sarah has received throughout her career areearned. Nobody works harder or is more committed than her.”

— Head Volleyball Coach Craig Skinner on Sarah Rumely

8 9

All great teams have a face – someone whom coaches,players and fans alike quickly attribute much of theprogram’s success, notoriety and persona.

Think Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls or Derek Jeterand the New York Yankees.

For the Kentucky volleyball team, its face has a big brightsmile, wavy red hair and a first-class personality. It’s the face ofthe program’s first Southeastern Conference Player of the Year,setter Sarah Rumely.

“All of the awards that Sarah has received throughout her careerare earned,” head volleyball coach Craig Skinner said. “Nobodyworks harder or is more committed than her.”

The New Palestine, Ind., native knows how to win and that’s allshe has done since putting on the Blue and White. In the pastthree seasons, Rumely has led UK to more wins (67) in a three-year stretch since the team did it in the mid-1990s. Her freshmanseason she was named SEC Freshman of the Year, and she is onlythe third player in UK history to tally over 4,000 career assists.

Rumely’s list of awards and accomplishments doesn’t stopthere. She became just the seventh player in school history to be

named an American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Ameri-can and earned first-team AVCA All-South Region honors.

Probably the most rewarding accomplishment for Rumely todate, however, was doing something that no UK volleyball teamhas done in a long time: beat SEC powerhouse Florida.

The Gators have long set the standard in SEC volleyball andno team in the conference has been able to stand up to Floridaover the last decade-plus. On a perfect afternoon in November,however, Rumely and the Wildcats did just that – defeatingFlorida for the first time in 18 years.

“We won this for the program, which has struggled to beat[Florida] in the past,” Rumely said. “This is one of those greatmoments that you will never forget.”

Despite her many personal accolades and everything she hashelped her team accomplish, the rising senior remains humbleabout being able to wear the Kentucky blue.

“Playing in front of the outstanding fans we have here andhaving Kentucky written across your chest is a tremendousfeeling,” Rumely said.

> Sarah Rumely excels on the volleyball court and in the classroom. Twice she has earned CoSIDA/ESPNThe Magazine Academic All-District honors and is a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient.

“All of the awards that Sarah has received throughout her career areearned. Nobody works harder or is more committed than her.”

— Head Volleyball Coach Craig Skinner on Sarah Rumely

10 11

It is often said, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”One picture can describe a childhood experience, a familyget-together or a moment of triumph in sports. More

than anything, a picture can capture a thousand memories.

Growing up, Ashley Trimble didn’t have a lot of memories.There weren’t a lot of pictures and documents for Trimble topreserve her or her family’s past, so she started taking picturesof her family, friends and school.

Since picking up a disposable camera in middle school,however, a camera has rarely left Trimble’s side. Trimble shotout of personal fun at first, but by the time she got into highschool and her mother bought her a digital camera, it hadbecome much more than a hobby.

“From there, I shot away,” said Trimble, a senior artstudio major.

Her biggest passion is fashion photography.Trimble takes pictures for school, the track

and field team, and her sorority, butshe would like to end up in the

fashion industry one day.

She’s currently pursuing a photography internship in Paris,France, where she could potentially meet and network withsome of the world’s most famous photographers.

Years from now, Trimble won’t need a photo to remember herdays on the track. A peek at her long and decorated list of shat-tered records and championships will be sufficient.

The Columbus, Ohio, native owns the school records in theindoor pentathlon and outdoor heptathlon. She also ranks inthe top seven all-time at UK in seven other events and is thefreshman record holder in the 400-meter hurdles.

But Trimble’s most unforgettable moment might havecome this past season when she captured the 2009 Southeast-ern Conference Indoor title in the pentathlon. In addition tothat accomplishment, she earned indoor All-SEC and All-America honors.

Trimble isn’t 100 percent sure what the future holds for her asboth a budding photographer and talented track star. Whetherit’s with her camera or on the track, Trimble has already made aportfolio worth of memories. No matter what she chooses todo, she’s sure to make a lot more.

“I just wanted to have memories. For me, when you look at a picture,it just brings back so many memories.”

— Ashley Trimble

> Ashley Trimble was an All-American and SEC Champion

in the pentathlon in 2009.

10 11

It is often said, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”One picture can describe a childhood experience, a familyget-together or a moment of triumph in sports. More

than anything, a picture can capture a thousand memories.

Growing up, Ashley Trimble didn’t have a lot of memories.There weren’t a lot of pictures and documents for Trimble topreserve her or her family’s past, so she started taking picturesof her family, friends and school.

Since picking up a disposable camera in middle school,however, a camera has rarely left Trimble’s side. Trimble shotout of personal fun at first, but by the time she got into highschool and her mother bought her a digital camera, it hadbecome much more than a hobby.

“From there, I shot away,” said Trimble, a senior artstudio major.

Her biggest passion is fashion photography.Trimble takes pictures for school, the track

and field team, and her sorority, butshe would like to end up in the

fashion industry one day.

She’s currently pursuing a photography internship in Paris,France, where she could potentially meet and network withsome of the world’s most famous photographers.

Years from now, Trimble won’t need a photo to remember herdays on the track. A peek at her long and decorated list of shat-tered records and championships will be sufficient.

The Columbus, Ohio, native owns the school records in theindoor pentathlon and outdoor heptathlon. She also ranks inthe top seven all-time at UK in seven other events and is thefreshman record holder in the 400-meter hurdles.

But Trimble’s most unforgettable moment might havecome this past season when she captured the 2009 Southeast-ern Conference Indoor title in the pentathlon. In addition tothat accomplishment, she earned indoor All-SEC and All-America honors.

Trimble isn’t 100 percent sure what the future holds for her asboth a budding photographer and talented track star. Whetherit’s with her camera or on the track, Trimble has already made aportfolio worth of memories. No matter what she chooses todo, she’s sure to make a lot more.

“I just wanted to have memories. For me, when you look at a picture,it just brings back so many memories.”

— Ashley Trimble

> Ashley Trimble was an All-American and SEC Champion

in the pentathlon in 2009.

12 13

Implementing a vision for success cannot beachieved without planning for the future. Kentucky isalready on its way to becoming one of the top athlet-

ics departments in the nation, but the blueprint for the fu-ture holds an unwavering foundation of prosperity.

It would be virtually impossible to pinpoint which futureinitiative holds more promise and excitement for the future,but let’s start with the move that made shockwaves around thenation: the hiring of head men’s basketball coach John Calipari.

When Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart set out to findthe 22nd coach in program history, he sought a coach whocould lead Kentucky back to its rightful position as the topbasketball program in the country. In his drive to returnUK to national prominence, Barnhart wanted a coachwho would be an ambassador in the community, em-brace the tradition and high expectations of the position,and reach out to the Big Blue fan base.

Not even three months on the job, Calipari has becomean instant hit with the fans, embracing their passion andlofty expectations. He also has attracted immense mediaattention after hauling in what many experts claim isthe No. 1 recruiting class in the nation.

An equally impressive hire was the addition of headwomen’s soccer coach Jon Lipsitz.

Lipsitz is renowned for his ability to breed a level of com-petitiveness matched by few programs. At Charlotte, Lip-sitz’s teams were known for their mental toughness, explosive offense and stingy defense. Now embarking on thefirst year of what he calls his dream job, Lipsitz is hoping todo the same at Kentucky.

To get there, he’s outlined three basic prin-ciples that will define his team: family,legacy and finish, the last of which has beenadopted by the entire athletics department.

More good news for UK fans came in theannouncement last August of a lucrative tele-vision deal between the Southeastern Confer-ence, ESPN and CBS, beginning with thefall 2009 season.

The 15-year contract is the biggest in thehistory of college athletics and will provideUK Athletics with more exposure than ever.With the new deal, ESPN’s various outletswill carry more than 5,500 SEC events overthe 15-year period, including added footballcoverage, a second and third night of SEC

basketball on ESPN and ESPN2 eachweek, and expanded league champi-onship coverage in a number of sports.

Financially, the contract with ESPNand CBS will generate more than $5million annually in added revenues forKentucky. But to build championshipcaliber teams in all sports, Kentuckymust continue to provide championship-caliber facilities. The program is cur-rently conducting a feasibility study todetermine if it can go ahead with build-ing a new downtown basketball arena, anew campus baseball field and upgrad-ing Commonwealth Stadium. The finalresults of that study are scheduled to becompleted in the near future.

“Our goals will be to make the entire Commonwealth proud of itsprogram and proud of its team by our work on the court and ourintegrity off the court.”

— Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Calipari

New head coach Jon Lipsitz vowsto instill a new level of competitivespirit into the Kentucky women’ssoccer program.

John Calipari was introduced as the new head coachof the men’s basketball program in April 2009.

The Southeastern Conference recently announced a historic televisionpackage with CBS and ESPN, which will provide unprecedented exposurefor a collegiate athletics conference. The new deal includes SEC champi-onship coverage of football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball,gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, and track and field.

12 13

Implementing a vision for success cannot beachieved without planning for the future. Kentucky isalready on its way to becoming one of the top athlet-

ics departments in the nation, but the blueprint for the fu-ture holds an unwavering foundation of prosperity.

It would be virtually impossible to pinpoint which futureinitiative holds more promise and excitement for the future,but let’s start with the move that made shockwaves around thenation: the hiring of head men’s basketball coach John Calipari.

When Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart set out to findthe 22nd coach in program history, he sought a coach whocould lead Kentucky back to its rightful position as the topbasketball program in the country. In his drive to returnUK to national prominence, Barnhart wanted a coachwho would be an ambassador in the community, em-brace the tradition and high expectations of the position,and reach out to the Big Blue fan base.

Not even three months on the job, Calipari has becomean instant hit with the fans, embracing their passion andlofty expectations. He also has attracted immense mediaattention after hauling in what many experts claim isthe No. 1 recruiting class in the nation.

An equally impressive hire was the addition of headwomen’s soccer coach Jon Lipsitz.

Lipsitz is renowned for his ability to breed a level of com-petitiveness matched by few programs. At Charlotte, Lip-sitz’s teams were known for their mental toughness, explosive offense and stingy defense. Now embarking on thefirst year of what he calls his dream job, Lipsitz is hoping todo the same at Kentucky.

To get there, he’s outlined three basic prin-ciples that will define his team: family,legacy and finish, the last of which has beenadopted by the entire athletics department.

More good news for UK fans came in theannouncement last August of a lucrative tele-vision deal between the Southeastern Confer-ence, ESPN and CBS, beginning with thefall 2009 season.

The 15-year contract is the biggest in thehistory of college athletics and will provideUK Athletics with more exposure than ever.With the new deal, ESPN’s various outletswill carry more than 5,500 SEC events overthe 15-year period, including added footballcoverage, a second and third night of SEC

basketball on ESPN and ESPN2 eachweek, and expanded league champi-onship coverage in a number of sports.

Financially, the contract with ESPNand CBS will generate more than $5million annually in added revenues forKentucky. But to build championshipcaliber teams in all sports, Kentuckymust continue to provide championship-caliber facilities. The program is cur-rently conducting a feasibility study todetermine if it can go ahead with build-ing a new downtown basketball arena, anew campus baseball field and upgrad-ing Commonwealth Stadium. The finalresults of that study are scheduled to becompleted in the near future.

“Our goals will be to make the entire Commonwealth proud of itsprogram and proud of its team by our work on the court and ourintegrity off the court.”

— Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Calipari

New head coach Jon Lipsitz vowsto instill a new level of competitivespirit into the Kentucky women’ssoccer program.

John Calipari was introduced as the new head coachof the men’s basketball program in April 2009.

The Southeastern Conference recently announced a historic televisionpackage with CBS and ESPN, which will provide unprecedented exposurefor a collegiate athletics conference. The new deal includes SEC champi-onship coverage of football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball,gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, and track and field.

14 15

The messages and voice mails came in by the hun-dreds. Barely even a few hours after Jodie Meeks hadfinished torching Tennessee for a school-record 54

points, Meeks' inbox on his phone was nearly full with text mes-sages and voice mails. Everybody wanted to congratulate Meekson his historic game.

But one message stood above the rest. It came from the manwhose 39-year-old record Meeks had just broken. Dan Issel,Kentucky's all-time leading scorer, had called to offer Meeks hiscongratulations.

“He told me he was proud that I broke the record and that itcould not have happened to a better kid,” Meeks said.

Issel was more than happy to pass on one of the most hal-lowed records in the most storied and tradition-rich programin the country.

For 30-plus years, children and grown men and women alikehave ventured out to their driveways and hoisted up shots inhopes of emulating Issel. No one will ever replace the legendaryIssel, but on Jan. 13, 2009, Meeks gave fans reason to “shoot itlike Jodie.”

On a cold wintry night inside UT’s Thompson-Boling Arena,Meeks forever etched his name into UK basketball lore.With every shot No. 23 took – he only shot 22 times,making 15 – Meeks launched his name into the corri-dors of the all-time greats. Dan Issel. Ralph Beard,Cliff Hagan. Jamal Mashburn. Jodie Meeks.

Just one season after battling nagging injuries,the 6-4 junior finished in the top 10 nationallyin scoring with a 23.7 points per game aver-age. In addition to his effort at Tennessee,he had two other games of 45 or morepoints and made the game-winning3-pointer against Florida.

Meeks captured the school recordfor 3-pointers in a season (117)and led the Southeastern Conferencein three statistical categories. He wastabbed a second-team All-Americanby several major publications, in-cluding The Associated Press andthe United States BasketballWriters Association.

“To be in the same sentence with guys like Dan Issel and the otherKentucky legends means a lot. It’s mind-boggling.”

— Jodie Meeks

> All-time Wildcat basketball great DanIssel (left) and newly minted legend JodieMeeks share a mutual admiration for eachother’s accomplishments at Kentucky.

14 15

The messages and voice mails came in by the hun-dreds. Barely even a few hours after Jodie Meeks hadfinished torching Tennessee for a school-record 54

points, Meeks' inbox on his phone was nearly full with text mes-sages and voice mails. Everybody wanted to congratulate Meekson his historic game.

But one message stood above the rest. It came from the manwhose 39-year-old record Meeks had just broken. Dan Issel,Kentucky's all-time leading scorer, had called to offer Meeks hiscongratulations.

“He told me he was proud that I broke the record and that itcould not have happened to a better kid,” Meeks said.

Issel was more than happy to pass on one of the most hal-lowed records in the most storied and tradition-rich programin the country.

For 30-plus years, children and grown men and women alikehave ventured out to their driveways and hoisted up shots inhopes of emulating Issel. No one will ever replace the legendaryIssel, but on Jan. 13, 2009, Meeks gave fans reason to “shoot itlike Jodie.”

On a cold wintry night inside UT’s Thompson-Boling Arena,Meeks forever etched his name into UK basketball lore.With every shot No. 23 took – he only shot 22 times,making 15 – Meeks launched his name into the corri-dors of the all-time greats. Dan Issel. Ralph Beard,Cliff Hagan. Jamal Mashburn. Jodie Meeks.

Just one season after battling nagging injuries,the 6-4 junior finished in the top 10 nationallyin scoring with a 23.7 points per game aver-age. In addition to his effort at Tennessee,he had two other games of 45 or morepoints and made the game-winning3-pointer against Florida.

Meeks captured the school recordfor 3-pointers in a season (117)and led the Southeastern Conferencein three statistical categories. He wastabbed a second-team All-Americanby several major publications, in-cluding The Associated Press andthe United States BasketballWriters Association.

“To be in the same sentence with guys like Dan Issel and the otherKentucky legends means a lot. It’s mind-boggling.”

— Jodie Meeks

> All-time Wildcat basketball great DanIssel (left) and newly minted legend JodieMeeks share a mutual admiration for eachother’s accomplishments at Kentucky.

16 17

They’re the first ones there and the last ones to leave.Hours before the fans fill Commonwealth Stadiumor the UK Softball Complex, Donnie Mefford and

his staff are meticulously manicuring the nation’s best playingsurfaces. Long after the dramatics of the game are gone andthe roar of the fans has quieted, Mefford and his staff are stillhard at work to make sure Kentucky’s fields are in optimumcondition for the next day.

The hours are long and odd, and the work isn’t glamorous. But Mefford and his 12-man crew in the sports turf managementoffice wouldn’t have it any other way. In their eyes, it’s all worth it.

“The most rewarding part of our job is when a student-ath-lete takes the time to say that they feel everything looks andplays good and that they appreciate what we’re doing,” Mef-ford said, “because in the end, that’s what we’re here for andwho we’re here for.”

It’s easy for outsiders to take what Mefford and his staff dofor granted because Kentucky’s athletic fields and other

playing surfaces always appear to be in pristineshape. But Mefford’s dedicated staff has

earned every bit of its nickname as “The hardest-workinggrounds crew” in the nation.

Mefford, who is in his ninth year as the Sports Turf manager,oversees all grounds work at Kentucky. Behind the scenes, thecrew is responsible for keeping UK’s surfaces in immaculate andsafe shape.

“It’s just mainly trying to go out and make the field as safe andas good as we can possibly make it,” Mefford said. “There are al-ways things we’re faced with during the day or during the courseof the season, and that’s what makes it fun. There is alwayssomething new on the horizon.”

Whether it’s lining the field at Cliff Hagan Stadium for a base-ball game later that evening or prepping the tennis courts for aregional tournament, the award-winning crew is on call seven-days-a-week, 24-hours-a-day.

“My crew is full of incredible people,”Mefford said. “Theycare so much about what they do and I’m really blessed in thesense that they’re willing to do what it takes to represent the uni-versity and the athletics department the best they can.”

“My crew is full of incredible people. I’m really blessed in the sensethat they’re willing to represent the university and the athleticsdepartment the best they can.”

— Donnie Mefford, Director of Sports Turf Management

> Donnie Mefford, UK’s Director of Sports TurfManagement, and two members of his staff – TommyDavis and Chuck Stivers – were honored for lifetimeachievement at the 2009 CATSPY Awards.

16 17

They’re the first ones there and the last ones to leave.Hours before the fans fill Commonwealth Stadiumor the UK Softball Complex, Donnie Mefford and

his staff are meticulously manicuring the nation’s best playingsurfaces. Long after the dramatics of the game are gone andthe roar of the fans has quieted, Mefford and his staff are stillhard at work to make sure Kentucky’s fields are in optimumcondition for the next day.

The hours are long and odd, and the work isn’t glamorous. But Mefford and his 12-man crew in the sports turf managementoffice wouldn’t have it any other way. In their eyes, it’s all worth it.

“The most rewarding part of our job is when a student-ath-lete takes the time to say that they feel everything looks andplays good and that they appreciate what we’re doing,” Mef-ford said, “because in the end, that’s what we’re here for andwho we’re here for.”

It’s easy for outsiders to take what Mefford and his staff dofor granted because Kentucky’s athletic fields and other

playing surfaces always appear to be in pristineshape. But Mefford’s dedicated staff has

earned every bit of its nickname as “The hardest-workinggrounds crew” in the nation.

Mefford, who is in his ninth year as the Sports Turf manager,oversees all grounds work at Kentucky. Behind the scenes, thecrew is responsible for keeping UK’s surfaces in immaculate andsafe shape.

“It’s just mainly trying to go out and make the field as safe andas good as we can possibly make it,” Mefford said. “There are al-ways things we’re faced with during the day or during the courseof the season, and that’s what makes it fun. There is alwayssomething new on the horizon.”

Whether it’s lining the field at Cliff Hagan Stadium for a base-ball game later that evening or prepping the tennis courts for aregional tournament, the award-winning crew is on call seven-days-a-week, 24-hours-a-day.

“My crew is full of incredible people,”Mefford said. “Theycare so much about what they do and I’m really blessed in thesense that they’re willing to do what it takes to represent the uni-versity and the athletics department the best they can.”

“My crew is full of incredible people. I’m really blessed in the sensethat they’re willing to represent the university and the athleticsdepartment the best they can.”

— Donnie Mefford, Director of Sports Turf Management

> Donnie Mefford, UK’s Director of Sports TurfManagement, and two members of his staff – TommyDavis and Chuck Stivers – were honored for lifetimeachievement at the 2009 CATSPY Awards.

18 19

“The KENTUCKY brand is fortunate to be represented by a stableof fantastic products. From its 22 team products to its licensedconsumer products, KENTUCKY is an international and powerfulbrand. And, best of all, it’s getting stronger.”

— Jason Schlafer, Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing and Licensing

Few, if any, Division I university athletic brands aremore visible, popular and powerful in the publicmarketplace than that of Kentucky Athletics.

Among the factors contributing to UK’s outstandingbrand recognition are its across-the-board success ineach of its 22 varsity sports as well as the unmatchedloyalty and devotion of its Big Blue fan base – long theenvy of other Division I programs around the nation.

> Women’s basketball coach Matthew Mitchellcame to last year’s Big Blue Madness instyle, riding in a circa 1949 Seagrave fireengine. Over 23,000 fans packed Rupp Arenafor the first official practice of the 2008-09men’s and women’s basketball seasons.

> Kentucky’s new uniforms, customdesigned by Nike Basketball’s GlobalCreative Director and Kentucky nativeTracy Teague, were introduced at a specialunveiling held at Keeneland Race Track’sKeene Barn. The blue and white checker-board pattern that appears on the uniformwas inspired by the winning colors wornby famed Triple Crown winner Secretariat.It also pays homage to Kentucky’s long-standing championship basketball tradition.

> Above, the exterior of UK’s new football teamequipment truck was designed for the start of the2008 season. At right, head coach Rich Brooks andthe football program were recognized in RuppArena for posting a third-consecutive bowl victory.

> UK Athletics honoredits more than 500 student-athletes at theseventh-annual CATSPYAwards, held in April atMemorial Coliseum.Among the winners wasBingy Lara (right) from themen’s soccer team.

> Above, UK Athletics DirectorMitch Barnhart presents the

Keightley family with a jerseyworn by the team on Dec.7, 2008 to commemoratethe life and career of

beloved equipment manager“Mr. Wildcat,” Bill Keightley.

18 19

“The KENTUCKY brand is fortunate to be represented by a stableof fantastic products. From its 22 team products to its licensedconsumer products, KENTUCKY is an international and powerfulbrand. And, best of all, it’s getting stronger.”

— Jason Schlafer, Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing and Licensing

Few, if any, Division I university athletic brands aremore visible, popular and powerful in the publicmarketplace than that of Kentucky Athletics.

Among the factors contributing to UK’s outstandingbrand recognition are its across-the-board success ineach of its 22 varsity sports as well as the unmatchedloyalty and devotion of its Big Blue fan base – long theenvy of other Division I programs around the nation.

> Women’s basketball coach Matthew Mitchellcame to last year’s Big Blue Madness instyle, riding in a circa 1949 Seagrave fireengine. Over 23,000 fans packed Rupp Arenafor the first official practice of the 2008-09men’s and women’s basketball seasons.

> Kentucky’s new uniforms, customdesigned by Nike Basketball’s GlobalCreative Director and Kentucky nativeTracy Teague, were introduced at a specialunveiling held at Keeneland Race Track’sKeene Barn. The blue and white checker-board pattern that appears on the uniformwas inspired by the winning colors wornby famed Triple Crown winner Secretariat.It also pays homage to Kentucky’s long-standing championship basketball tradition.

> Above, the exterior of UK’s new football teamequipment truck was designed for the start of the2008 season. At right, head coach Rich Brooks andthe football program were recognized in RuppArena for posting a third-consecutive bowl victory.

> UK Athletics honoredits more than 500 student-athletes at theseventh-annual CATSPYAwards, held in April atMemorial Coliseum.Among the winners wasBingy Lara (right) from themen’s soccer team.

> Above, UK Athletics DirectorMitch Barnhart presents the

Keightley family with a jerseyworn by the team on Dec.7, 2008 to commemoratethe life and career of

beloved equipment manager“Mr. Wildcat,” Bill Keightley.

20 21

“They understand this is a special opportunity to play at Kentucky.They get that and that is why I love coaching them.”

— Matthew Mitchell, Head Women’s Basketball Coach

Call it a coincidence or a string of fate, but itcouldn’t have been more fitting for Carly Ormerodand Eleia Roddy to walk off the basketball court for

the final time together.

That last game – a second-round Women’s NationalInvitation Tournament game – may seem insignificant, but toleave the hardwood healthy in their final game was a victoryin itself.

Roddy had four knee surgeries during her career, missingsignificant time her freshman and redshirt junior years, andthe entire 2006-07 season. Sesamoiditis and turf toe inOrmerod’s left foot caused her to miss a combined 24 gamesher final two seasons.

But the injuries won’t define their careers.Overcoming adver-sity and going on to successful careers at UK will.

Roddy rebounded her senior year to become one of the mostdominating players in the Southeastern Conference. The sec-ond-team All-SEC selection finished 13th in the conferencein scoring (12.1 ppg) and fourth in rebounding (8.2 rpg).

Ormerod didn’t put up the numbers Roddy did, but Kentucky’s2005 Miss Basketball provided leadership and dedication duringher four years.

What’s even more remarkable is the two never put schoolaside to get back on the court. Despite hundreds of hours inthe physical therapy room, the duo still achieved success offthe court.

Roddy was a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selectionand a member of the SEC Community Service Team in 2007.She gave countless hours to the Hope Center, her local churchand read as a volunteer to elementary school children.

Ormerod was a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selec-tion, a member of the 2009 SEC Community Service team andwas inducted into UK’s Frank Ham Society of Character in2008. Among her many community service ventures,she helped organize a food drive to benefit God’sPantry, was a frequent visitor at local hospi-tals and coordinated a canned food drivefor UK Athletics – all while graduat-ing an entire year early.

> In addition to overcoming injuriesduring their UK Hoops careers, team-mates Carly Ormerod (left) and EleiaRoddy earned SEC Academic HonorRoll distinction and were members ofthe SEC Community Service Team.

20 21

“They understand this is a special opportunity to play at Kentucky.They get that and that is why I love coaching them.”

— Matthew Mitchell, Head Women’s Basketball Coach

Call it a coincidence or a string of fate, but itcouldn’t have been more fitting for Carly Ormerodand Eleia Roddy to walk off the basketball court for

the final time together.

That last game – a second-round Women’s NationalInvitation Tournament game – may seem insignificant, but toleave the hardwood healthy in their final game was a victoryin itself.

Roddy had four knee surgeries during her career, missingsignificant time her freshman and redshirt junior years, andthe entire 2006-07 season. Sesamoiditis and turf toe inOrmerod’s left foot caused her to miss a combined 24 gamesher final two seasons.

But the injuries won’t define their careers.Overcoming adver-sity and going on to successful careers at UK will.

Roddy rebounded her senior year to become one of the mostdominating players in the Southeastern Conference. The sec-ond-team All-SEC selection finished 13th in the conferencein scoring (12.1 ppg) and fourth in rebounding (8.2 rpg).

Ormerod didn’t put up the numbers Roddy did, but Kentucky’s2005 Miss Basketball provided leadership and dedication duringher four years.

What’s even more remarkable is the two never put schoolaside to get back on the court. Despite hundreds of hours inthe physical therapy room, the duo still achieved success offthe court.

Roddy was a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selectionand a member of the SEC Community Service Team in 2007.She gave countless hours to the Hope Center, her local churchand read as a volunteer to elementary school children.

Ormerod was a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selec-tion, a member of the 2009 SEC Community Service team andwas inducted into UK’s Frank Ham Society of Character in2008. Among her many community service ventures,she helped organize a food drive to benefit God’sPantry, was a frequent visitor at local hospi-tals and coordinated a canned food drivefor UK Athletics – all while graduat-ing an entire year early.

> In addition to overcoming injuriesduring their UK Hoops careers, team-mates Carly Ormerod (left) and EleiaRoddy earned SEC Academic HonorRoll distinction and were members ofthe SEC Community Service Team.

22 23

Becoming a top-15 athletics prog ram and hanging15 championship banners can’t happen without thesupport of the K Fund. The student-athletes are the

backbone of Kentucky’s athletics program, but nothing is pos-sible without the generosity and charity of people like Brettand Billie Jo Setzer – loyal K Fund members since 2002.

The Setzers have been longtime supporters of the Wildcatprogram. Brett, a former UK student, and Billie Jo, who re-ceived her master’s degree from UK, have been to hundreds ofWildcat sporting events over the years, ranging from gymnas-tics meets to volleyball matches and baseball games.

Their devotion to UK sports increased in 2002 when, uponthe hiring of Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart, the Setzersbecame K Fund donors and started to financially support anumber of Kentucky’s athletic programs, including men’s golf,women’s basketball and football.

Brett’s love for the Wildcat football program spans back to1972 when he developed a friendship with former coach FranCurci. Now, the Setzers are neighbors with current head coachRich Brooks and his wife Karen, whom the Setzers considerclose and dear friends.

Just weeks after the hiring of Brooks, Brett Setzer ran intoBrooks in the Dallas airport and decided to introduce himselfto his new neighbor.

“I walked up and said, ‘Hey, don’t be messing up my fishingpond,’” Brett recalls. “He kind of gave me this look like, ‘who isthis crazy fan?’”

That crazy fan and his wife turned out to be two of Brooks’most loyal supporters during a rough first few years whenBrooks inherited a team burdened by the effects of a severeNCAA probation. Like all Wildcat football fans, they have sincedelighted in the program’s historic turnaround – including threeconsecutive bowl victories in the last three years.

From that initial meeting in the airport, a special relationshipblossomed. Brett and Brooks talk on the phone nearly every day,and the Setzers’ company, Brett Construction, hires some of theplayers in the summer as a part of an NCAA-approved offseasonwork program. It’s just one of the many ways the Setzers supportthe UK Athletics program they love so much.

“We want a competitive, broad-based athletics program. Brett andBillie Jo embrace this philosophy and truly support all 22 programs.”

— Mark Coyle, Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs

< Avid supporters of UK Athletics,Brett and Billie Jo Setzer have been K Fund members since 2002.

22 23

Becoming a top-15 athletics prog ram and hanging15 championship banners can’t happen without thesupport of the K Fund. The student-athletes are the

backbone of Kentucky’s athletics program, but nothing is pos-sible without the generosity and charity of people like Brettand Billie Jo Setzer – loyal K Fund members since 2002.

The Setzers have been longtime supporters of the Wildcatprogram. Brett, a former UK student, and Billie Jo, who re-ceived her master’s degree from UK, have been to hundreds ofWildcat sporting events over the years, ranging from gymnas-tics meets to volleyball matches and baseball games.

Their devotion to UK sports increased in 2002 when, uponthe hiring of Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart, the Setzersbecame K Fund donors and started to financially support anumber of Kentucky’s athletic programs, including men’s golf,women’s basketball and football.

Brett’s love for the Wildcat football program spans back to1972 when he developed a friendship with former coach FranCurci. Now, the Setzers are neighbors with current head coachRich Brooks and his wife Karen, whom the Setzers considerclose and dear friends.

Just weeks after the hiring of Brooks, Brett Setzer ran intoBrooks in the Dallas airport and decided to introduce himselfto his new neighbor.

“I walked up and said, ‘Hey, don’t be messing up my fishingpond,’” Brett recalls. “He kind of gave me this look like, ‘who isthis crazy fan?’”

That crazy fan and his wife turned out to be two of Brooks’most loyal supporters during a rough first few years whenBrooks inherited a team burdened by the effects of a severeNCAA probation. Like all Wildcat football fans, they have sincedelighted in the program’s historic turnaround – including threeconsecutive bowl victories in the last three years.

From that initial meeting in the airport, a special relationshipblossomed. Brett and Brooks talk on the phone nearly every day,and the Setzers’ company, Brett Construction, hires some of theplayers in the summer as a part of an NCAA-approved offseasonwork program. It’s just one of the many ways the Setzers supportthe UK Athletics program they love so much.

“We want a competitive, broad-based athletics program. Brett andBillie Jo embrace this philosophy and truly support all 22 programs.”

— Mark Coyle, Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs

< Avid supporters of UK Athletics,Brett and Billie Jo Setzer have been K Fund members since 2002.

24

In May 2009, the University of Kentucky AthleticAssociation Board of Directors approved an operatingbudget of $72.65 million for the fiscal year of 2009-10.

UKAA, which is 100 percent self-supporting and re-ceives no state or university funds, supports the broadestprogram in the Southeastern Conference – 22 varsitysports – with an athletics budget that places UK in themid-range of SEC schools.

During the upcoming fiscal year, UK Athletics will do-nate an additional $500,000 to campus academic scholar-ship programs. This is on top of the $1.2 million annuallythat the UKAA has contributed toward the university’s gen-eral scholarship fund and in support of UK’s SingletaryScholars program, bringing the total to $1.7 million inthe coming academic year.

“I continue to be pleased with the financial commitmentthat UK Athletics makes toward our academic programs,”said UK President Lee T. Todd, Jr. “This is especially impres-sive and welcome given the economic environment wecurrently face.”

Rob Mullens, deputy director of UK Athletics, reportedto the board that increased revenues from the Southeast-ern Conference’s new television rights contract with ESPNand CBS Sports will help the department offset increasedexpenses in the coming year. These expenses include the

increased costs of athletic scholarships, which the depart-ment directly pays to the university, as well as increases inthe costs of team travel, utilities and health insurance,among others.

“We spend approximately 25 percent ($18 million) ofour self-supporting budget back on campus and we arehappy to be able to do so,” said Mullens. “UK Athleticsappreciates the support of our great fan base, which en-ables us not only to grow the competitiveness of our teamsand provide great opportunities for our student-athletes,but also gives us the chance to make very real and signifi-cant contributions toward the overall success and better-ment of this great university.”

“We spend approximately 25 percent ($18 million) of our self-supporting budget back on campus and we are happy to be ableto do so.”

— Rob Mullens, Deputy Director of UK Athletics

> UK Athletics boasts the broadest program in theSoutheastern Conference (22 sports), yet its budget ranksas average among all 12 league schools. UK Athletics alsoprides itself on operating with a balanced budget ($72.65m).

Balanced Budget$72.65 M

CONTENTS> Realizing his Dreams...........................................2

> Embracing the Challenge....................................4

> 2008-09 Athletic Year in Review ..........................6

> Mastering Leadership..........................................8

> Creating Lasting Memories ...............................10

> Preparing for Future Success ...........................12

> Making History ...................................................14

> Devoted to Serving ............................................16

> Marketing a Winning Brand...............................18

> Conquering Adversity........................................20

> Proudly Providing Support ...............................22

> Financial Integrity ..............................................24

2008-09UK BOARD OF TRUSTEES(as of June 30, 2009)Mira S. Ball, ChairStephen P. Branscum, Vice ChairPamela T. May, SecretaryEdward Britt BrockmanPenelope A. BrownJo Hern CurrisDermontti F. DawsonAnn Brand HaneyJames F. HardymonEverett McCorveyBilly Joe MilesTyler MontellSandy Bugie PattersonPhillip R. PattonErwin RobertsCharles R. SachatelloC. Frank ShoopJoEtta Y. WickliffeErnest J. Yanarella

(as of June 30, 2009)Bruno AgostinelliCharles W. ArnoldFrank ButlerCharles CassisDermontti F. DawsonLuther DeatonAlan DeSantisVictoria DunlapC. M. GattonVictor HazardScott KelleyKathi KernFrank ShoopWilliam B. SturgillKumble SubbaswamyLee T. Todd, Jr.Bruce WalcottLionel Williamson

Emeritus MemberS. T. Roach

CREDITSThe 2008-09 University of Kentucky Athletics Annual Reportis published by the UK Athletics Association, Mitch Barnhart,Director. This publication was written and edited by Eric Lind-sey, Evan Crane, Craig Hornberger and the UK AthleticsMedia Relations Staff. Design by Craig Hornberger. Photogra-phy by David Coyle and Team Coyle, and CherylTreworgy/PrettySporty.com. Printing by Welch Printing.

UK Athletics AssociationJoe Craft Center338 Lexington AvenueLexington, KY 40506-0604UKathletics.com

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15 CHAMPIONSHIPS

RANK IN TOP 15 OF THE DIRECTORS’ CUP

BY THE YEAR 2015

2008-09UK ATHLETIC BOARD

15 CHAMPIONSHIPS

RANK IN TOP 15 OF THE DIRECTORS’ CUP

BY THE YEAR 2015

15 CHAMPIONSHIPS

RANK IN TOP 15 OF THE DIRECTORS’ CUP

BY THE YEAR 2015

2009 UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORTJOE CRAFT CENTER • 338 LEXINGTON AVENUE • LEXINGTON, KY 40506-0604