6'2" Outside Elly Randolph Announces Verbal Commitment to Kentucky

Throughout UK head coach Craig Skinner's time at Kentucky, he's had an incredible reputation of landing some seriously heavy arms on the outside that would go on to finish their careers at Kentucky with more accolades than their trophy cabinets could carry. Whether it was Leah Edmond, Alli Stumler, Avery Skinner, Adanna Rollins, or, most recently, Brooklyn DeLeye and Eva Hudson, Skinner has a knack for recruiting and developing high-powered outside hitters in Lexington. And from the sounds of things, that trend isn't going away any time soon as Skinner and company received a verbal commitment from 6'2" outside Elly Randolph last week to strengthen the class of 2027 even more. 

Hailing from Pfafftown, North Carolina, Randolph is a deeply talented pin hitter that brings plenty of size and athleticism to the Cats. And while it may still be two full seasons in the future, that will prove to be a valuable asset as Randolph's freshman year will be the first season following the graduation of current star outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye. While we obviously have no idea what the full roster will look like come the fall of 2027, with DeLeye no longer being an option on the court Randolph will almost certainly have the opportunity to compete for playing time right away. 

That competitive fire appears to be showing itself on the court already, as Randolph is spending her season playing above where her age range typically plays. And despite playing better - and older - competition, Randolph has still made quite the impression on the coaching staff.

"We've kind of been watching her throughout the year and she's actually playing on a 17s team so she's been playing up for the year, which is kind of cool- getting good experience, a little bit faster pace of game, bigger athletes," a top scout for VBAdrenaline told us. "So it's cool that she stands out even though she's playing up."

While still only a junior in high school, the coaching staff has been wildly impressed with Randolph's terminal arm and ability to find the floor with the ball regardless of the kind of set she's given, a skill that will prove invaluable as she prepares to transition to a much-improved league like the Southeastern Conference. 

"Her terminal arm, her ability to move and be super athletic in the air is what has to excite UK," the scout said. "She fits well with the pins they have taken in the past."

When tasked with comparing Elly's game to that of a former player, the source had to go back a bit, but also offered incredibly high praise for the newest Wildcat, citing one who had a quite successful career for the blue and white.

"Would compare Elly to Alli Stumler 👀."

A former national champion, four-time SEC champion, SEC Freshman of the Year, and SEC Player of the Year isn't a bad player to be compared to. And if Frey is right, the Cats are in for a lot more success very shortly once Randolph comes to town.