The Clemson women’s volleyball team announced late last night that junior outside hitter Kaylin Korte will miss the entire 2018 season after suffering a knee injury in the team’s exhibition match on Saturday against Furman.
The second-team All-ACC selection in 2017 and 2018 All-ACC Preseason Team selection led Clemson in kills (349), attacks (1,006), and aces (21) last year. The 6’0″ tall Morris, Illinois native transferred from Illinois after one season, but has not yet used a redshirt and so should be eligible for one this season.
Korte toured this summer with USA Volleyballs Collegiate National Team – Detroit. 6’2″ Redshirt sophomore Brooke Bailey, a transfer from Ohio State, is expected to start at outside hitter for Clemson, who graduated their next 3 highest kills/set leaders from last season.
In fact, without Korte, Clemson returns only 2 players who had more than 2 kills last season: opposite Alyssa Deloney (99 kills, 1.27/set) and setter Caroline Pearson (17 kills, .26/set).
The team’s next-best options at the position are a pair of freshmen, Solei Thomas and Ashtynne Alberts. Along with 2nd-string setter Lisie Kit, they’re the only healthy players left on the roster that are taller than 5’9″ or not already starting at middle blocker.
“Anyone who knows Kaylin knows she is a winner and a fighter,” said Clemson volleyball head coach Michaela Franklin. “Everyone can see the impact she’s had for us on the court, but the impact she’s had on her teammates and our program has been transformational and a testament to her leadership. I know she will continue to be a leader for us throughout her journey. Thank you, Clemson Family, for your positive encouragement.”
Clemson finished 7-25 last season in the first season of Franklin’s tenure, and just 2-18 in a much-improved ACC. Both of those numbers were a 1-win improvement over the prior season.
Clemson heads to Columbia, South Carolina for the Gamecock Invitational Aug. 24-25. The Tigers open the 2018 regular season against ETSU Friday, Aug. 24 at 10 a.m.Clemson squares off against South Carolina at 3 p.m., which is set to stream on SEC+.
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