It is all about the team and loyalty for Katie Bradley.
The junior volleyball player from Louisville, Kentucky learned a first-hand lesson about loyalty and commitment when Lipscomb volleyball coach Brandon Rosenthal retained interest in getting her on-court for the Lady Bisons–despite a torn ACL when she was in high school.
Bradley started playing travel volleyball when she was 13 and quickly grew in her love for the sport. She continued to play at Sacred Heart Academy and made the varsity team her sophomore year.
Rosenthal started recruiting Bradley during her sophomore and junior years of high school because of her playing skills.
Even after suffering from a torn ACL during her junior year, Rosenthal said he still wanted her on his Division One college team.
“It really hit home for me that he said nothing changes on our part,” Bradley said. “By then he had already offered me a full-ride scholarship to play. He said he still wanted me at Lipscomb, so a couple months later I committed here.”
Despite multiple injuries, Bradley is a huge supporter of her teammates on and off the court. She said she is making the best of her minimal playing time and believes the team is having a great season.
“The team is doing really great,” she said. “My playing time is very limited, but when I get in I just have to make the best of it. Whatever is best for the team is fine with me and as long as we keep winning, I will support my teammates.”
Off the court, Bradley wants to be a teacher and is studying elementary education.
“Right now I am working my hardest to help my volleyball team. After all, the coach always believed in me,” Bradley said.