What Tennessee volleyball coach Eve Rackham Watt said about Nebraska transfer Hayden Kubik

Knoxville News Sentinel

Eve Rackham Watt announced the signing of former Nebraska outside hitter Hayden Kubik on Monday.

Kubik was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 class according to PrepVolleyball.com when she signed with Nebraska. She was the No. 18 recruit in the final rankings. The West Des Moines, Iowa, native spent two seasons with the Huskers and will have two seasons of eligibility left.

"Hayden is a player that our staff is really excited about," Rackham Watt said in a school release. "Joining us this spring, she will gain a significant advantage by being able to both train and compete with the team, while also acclimating to our system and embracing the special Lady Vol culture. We firmly believe in Hayden's potential to evolve into a standout outside hitter in the SEC, and we are committed to supporting her in reaching that level."

Kubik played on veteran rosters at Nebraska and appeared in only 13 matches, logging 13 digs and 10 kills. Rackham Watt said in the release that they like Kubik's ability to play six rotations and the championship experience she brings. Nebraska went 33-2 and made a run to the NCAA title game in 2023. Kubik played with her older sister Madi, an All-American outside hitter for the Huskers, her freshman year.

Tennessee volleyball coaches Eve Rackham Watt and Gavin Watt pose with former Nebraska outside hitter Hayden Kubik, who committed to the Lady Vols out of the transfer portal.

"Her skill set and versatility complement our existing group exceptionally well," Rackham Watt said. "Additionally, Hayden's maturity, strong character and academic excellence make her an ideal match for our program."

The 6-foot-2 hitter also played for the beach volleyball team at Nebraska. Kubik recorded more than 1,500 kills in high school, was a four-time All-State selection and led her team to top-five finishes in the state in three seasons. Kubik averaged 5.2 kills per set while hitting .296.

"When looking at future student-athletes to join our program we have prioritized not only talent, but equally important, young women who will add to the culture we have worked hard to build," Rackham Watt said. "Hayden is a team-first player who understands what it takes to compete for a national championship. That is clearly an exceptional combination, and everyone is thrilled to welcome her to Rocky Top."

Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on Twitter @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.