Kentucky's DeLeye, Tuozzo Return for Fifth Season
Outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye and libero Molly Tuozzo will use the NCAA's new five-in-five eligibility model to play another year with Kentucky volleyball.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Volleyball
Kentucky volleyball outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye and libero Molly Tuozzo announced they will return for a fifth season, taking advantage of the NCAA's new eligibility model allowing five seasons in five years. The announcement came alongside Head Coach Craig Skinner signing a contract extension through 2031.
Why it matters
The return keeps two decorated players in the lineup as Kentucky continues its season, which saw the program finish as 2025 National Championship match runners-up. For Lexington fans, it signals continuity for a program built around its current core.
DeLeye and Tuozzo have earned three SEC regular-season championships, one SEC Tournament title, five ALL-SEC First Team appearances, and four AVCA All-America honors. Kentucky stands at 16-5 overall and 8-3 in SEC play.
The players
Brooklyn DeLeye
Kentucky outside hitter whose decorated career includes SEC and AVCA honors, and who is returning for a fifth season.
Molly Tuozzo
Kentucky libero who has earned multiple SEC and AVCA honors and is returning for a fifth season with the Wildcats.
Craig Skinner
Kentucky volleyball head coach who signed a contract extension through 2031.
The details
Both players posted "See you in HMC in 2027" on their social media pages Wednesday afternoon. Tuozzo said staying a fifth year was an opportunity she could not pass up, while DeLeye said returning lets her play in one of the most competitive gyms in the country.
Timeline
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: DeLeye and Tuozzo announce their returns on social media.
Friday, November 6, 2026: Kentucky hosts Alabama at 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: Senior day ceremonies precede the 1 p.m. match against Mississippi State.
2027 season: DeLeye and Tuozzo begin their fifth-year campaign.
Season Trajectory
The NCAA's new five-in-five eligibility model lets athletes play five seasons in five years, a change that is reshaping how programs plan rosters. Kentucky's decision to retain two decorated seniors keeps its championship-caliber core intact after a 2025 national title match appearance.
Fans can track the Wildcats' remaining 2026 home slate, including Friday's Alabama match and Sunday's senior day contest at 1 p.m. The return of DeLeye and Tuozzo means their established roles, including the libero position, remain in place for the 2027 campaign.
The takeaway
The decision by two seniors to use the NCAA's five-in-five model shows how eligibility changes can reshape a program's roster planning. Readers following collegiate sports should watch how other programs respond to the same rule.
What happens next
Kentucky hosts Alabama at 7 p.m. this Friday, and senior day ceremonies precede the Sunday match against Mississippi State at 1 p.m.
Further reading
Follow more coverage in Volleyball for context on Kentucky's program and the broader NCAA season.
