Sarafa SET to lead SMU attack

SMU has landed former Kentucky Wildcat setter Ava Sarafa from the transfer portal according to the athlete's social media account Saturday.  The move may not grab the most headlines of any setter signing in this year's early portal window, but this could turn out to be a significant move for an SMU team that has added some additional weapons via the portal in the past month.  

Sarafa, a former high school All-American from Michigan, will have two years of eligibility remaining for the Pony Express and was the talk of the hottest SEC story of the off-season.  She was locked in a heated battle with true freshman Kassie O'Brien for the starting job at Kentucky, a position that would prove to be of national importance considering the talent in the Wildcats lineup.  Sarafa actually won the position after Summer camp and began the season as the Kentucky setter.  She was the floor general as UK narrowly missed a 5-set upset over #1 Nebraska, in which the 'Cats led 2-0.  A few matches later, Sarafa was replaced by O'Brien, who then took over and won the National Freshman of the Year award in the NCAA. Still, Sarafa showed her talent and team-first attitude throughout the season, earning praise from Kentucky HC Craig Skinner and her teammates for her daily positivity in a problematic situation.  Sarafa was a class act every second!

SMU is getting a talented athlete who has grinded through competition, hardships, and adversity and has also experienced success and some big-time wins.  She has some thick skin and volleyball skills.  This is a great story and a great sign for SMU and a perfect OPPORTUNITY for Sarafa, who deserves it!