Brooklyn DeLeye helps USA bring home another medal as Kentucky's summer of gold continues
Kentucky volleyball isn’t just an SEC powerhouse — it’s a pipeline to international gold.
Brooklyn DeLeye, one of the Wildcats’ brightest young stars, added another chapter to the program’s decorated legacy by helping Team USA claim gold at the 2024 U19 Pan American Cup in San Jose, Costa Rica. The U.S. squad swept every opponent without dropping a single set, culminating in a dominant 3-0 victory over Chile in the championship match (25-18, 25-14, 25-13).
DeLeye made her presence felt in the final, registering eight points on seven kills and a block to help seal the sweep and the anthem. Her performance is a reflection of Kentucky volleyball’s growth into a perennial juggernaut, with nine consecutive SEC titles and regular runs into the Sweet 16 and beyond.
The U.S. team’s path to the gold medal was nearly flawless:
- July 22: USA def. Canada, 3-0
- July 23: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0
- July 24: USA def. Chile, 3-0
- July 26: Semifinal – USA def. Canada, 3-0
- July 27: Final – USA def. Chile, 3-0
DeLeye wasn’t the only Wildcat in the mix — fellow Kentucky standout Molly Tuozzo was named an alternate for the squad, showcasing the depth of talent under Craig Skinner in Lexington.
This international gold follows a summer where Kentucky basketball commit Jasper Johnson and recruit Tyran Stokes also captured gold with the USA U19 team at the FIBA World Cup, continuing a trend of Wildcats shining on global stages.
For DeLeye, it’s a milestone in a promising career. For Kentucky volleyball, it’s just another reminder that the Cats are producing elite athletes capable of succeeding at the sport’s highest levels — SEC, NCAA, or international gold medal platforms. Craig Skinner has it rolling in Lexington and you can catch the Cats starting Saturday August 16th with Blue / White Day. Fans get free admission and have a meet and greet with the Lady Cats. The season officially kicks off August 30th with a match against Lipscomb.