KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a thrilling showdown at the NCAA women’s volleyball semifinals, Eva Hudson led the Kentucky Wildcats to a decisive victory against the Wisconsin Badgers, securing a spot in the national championship with a remarkable performance. The Wildcats triumphed 3-2, with Hudson delivering a career-high 29 kills that showcased her prowess as one of the top hitters in collegiate volleyball.
As the match reached its critical fifth set, Hudson’s explosive play became a defining moment. With the Wildcats just one point away from advancing, Hudson launched herself into the air, delivering a powerful shot that was ultimately blocked out of bounds by Wisconsin’s defense. The roar of the crowd filled the T-Mobile Center as Hudson celebrated with her teammates, marking a pivotal moment in their journey toward the championship.
Hudson’s Journey to Kentucky
Hudson, a 20-year-old outside hitter, previously played three seasons at Purdue University, where she made a name for herself by leading the Big Ten in 2024 with 567 kills and 4.81 kills per set. After a successful tenure at Purdue that included accolades such as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a spot on the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association All-America team, Hudson entered the transfer portal. She ultimately chose to join the Wildcats, announced in a celebratory social media post by Kentucky: “Santa came early, and he brought us another Wildcat!!️ Welcome home, Eva Hudson!”
Kentucky’s head coach, Craig Skinner, recognized Hudson’s potential immediately, stating, “She is an extremely talented player who adds a dynamic level of attacking to our offense. She also has a variety of tools in her game that will help us compete for a championship in 2025.” With Hudson’s addition, the Wildcats aimed for the pinnacle of collegiate volleyball.
During her inaugural season with Kentucky, Hudson proved her worth, achieving 533 kills at an average of 4.595 kills per set. Her impressive performance earned her accolades such as SEC Player of the Year and SEC Newcomer of the Year, alongside a spot on the first-team All-SEC. Prior to the championship match, Hudson was also named a finalist for the 2025 AVCA Player of the Year Award.
Finding Joy Amidst the Pressure
Despite the high stakes of the NCAA tournament, Hudson emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of joy while playing. To counteract the pressure, she and her teammates drew smiley faces on their hands as a visual reminder to “play with joy.” Hudson noted, “Some of the best times in volleyball and when we’re really playing well is when we’re all playing with joy and bouncing off one another.”
Initially, Hudson struggled to find her rhythm during the semifinals, as Kentucky lost the first set by a significant margin. However, she quickly regained her momentum, responding with four kills in the second set to help the Wildcats secure a 25-22 victory. “Every single timeout, everyone would be like, ‘OK, now tap your smiley face,’” Hudson recalled. This simple gesture reminded the team that, despite the intensity of competition, volleyball ultimately remained a game.
In the crucial fourth set, Hudson’s performance reached new heights as she delivered nine kills, propelling Kentucky to a comeback. “By the fourth and fifth, we found that rhythm … just swinging away,” she said. Hudson’s mother, Stacey, observed her daughter’s focused demeanor from the sidelines, noting a distinctive expression that indicated Hudson was ready to take on any challenge.
Wisconsin head coach, Kelly Sheffield, acknowledged the shift in momentum brought on by Hudson’s performance. “Hudson stepped out of the phone booth with a cape on,” he remarked. “We knew where it was going. It didn’t matter.”
As the match transitioned into the decisive fifth set, Hudson shared a moment of eye contact with her teammates, reinforcing their collective confidence. “I’ve got you. We’ve got this,” she assured them. With Hudson leading the charge, Kentucky now stands on the brink of claiming the national title, a testament to their hard work, determination, and the joy they find in the game.
