Skill Breakdown: The Evolution of Serving at Louisville Volleyball

Spring is a season of experimentation in the Louisville Volleyball gym—and nowhere is that more evident than at the service line.

This offseason, the Cards have been focusing on adding variety and precision to their serves, with a growing emphasis on the hybrid serve. Not quite a float and not fully topspin, the hybrid is a modern, unpredictable weapon—a serve with slight spin and plenty of movement that can throw off even the best passers.

​

Freshman defensive specialist Hannah Kenny and outside hitter transfer Chloe Chicone have both showcased early versions of the hybrid serve during spring play. Expect to see freshman OH Chloe Meester add it to her arsenal this fall as well, giving the team multiple hybrid options from different rotations.

​

Also experimenting this spring is freshman RS attacker Kalyssa Blackshear, who has been working on dialing in a powerful topspin serve. With her physicality and control, this could become a major scoring tool come fall.

​

While some players are evolving their approach, others are sticking with what works—and for good reason. Sophomore setter Nay Caballo, fifth-year middle blocker Cara Cresse, junior libero Kamden Schrand, and sophomore OH Payton Petersen are all returning with their signature serve styles intact. Each of them brings proven point-scoring ability from the line, offering consistency and confidence in high-pressure situations.

​

As Louisville prepares for the fall season, the mix of innovative serving and veteran reliability promises to make their service game a true strength—and a headache for opposing passers.

​

Photo Credit: The University of Louisville Athletics