🔵 The Official Daily Newsletter For Kentucky Athletics

Good morning. A new season means we’ve got lots to talk about. Hear from softball head coach Rachel Lawson on Clark’s Pump-n-Show now! And happy Valentine’s Day!

What else are we mixing into today’s Brew?

🏀 Making history for a win
⚾️ Smith stronger than ever
🔵 And much, much more!

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 37 Years Later… The men’s basketball team took on Ole Miss on Tuesday and came out victorious, 75-63. Sophomore Ugonna Onyenso blocked 10 shots, which tied the previous Rupp Arena record by Hall of Famer David Robinson in 1987. Antonio Reeves had 15 points, and Reed Sheppard had 13 points, five assists, five steals and four rebounds.

🏀 Here’s more about the win.

🔼 He’s Back! After having hip surgery in the offseason, Grant Smith has made a lot of recovery to be ready for the 2024 season. And he sure is. Smith was a huge asset to the Cats last season, being a 2023 Gold Glove Award finalist, only making three errors in 244 chances while injured and ranked 13th in the nation with his 11 sacrifice bunts.

⚾️ Here’s more about Smith.
🎙️ Also, listen to the new Behind Kentucky Baseball podcast.

🤔 BIG BLUE TRIVIA

Induction Time. Many student-athletes were just inducted into the Frank G. Ham Society of Character. This honors Wildcats who have shown commitment to academics, athletic preparation, personal development, career preparation and serving as a role model.

How many Kentucky athletes were inducted?

Think you got it? Scroll on down to the bottom of this email for the answer!

🔵 ONE BIG THING

Shining Schoonover. Softball went 4-1 this weekend, and one pitcher took the win in three of the games. Stephanie Schoonover was named SEC Pitcher of the Week for her 3-0 start to the season. She outstood the pressure of bases loaded with two outs and out-dueled Ni’jaree Canady in extra innings.

🥎 Find out more about Schoonover here.

📬 STICK WITH US

Did someone send you the Big Blue Brew? Well, the first thing you should do is thank them. The next thing you should do is subscribe here for free and get it in your inbox every weekday morning just in time for your first cup of coffee!

📅 THE WEEK AHEAD 

Wednesday, February 14

⛳️ Women’s Golf Nexus Collegiate

Thursday, February 15

🏊 Swim and Dive First Chance Meet
🥎 Softball vs. North Carolina/Wisconsin @ 11am/5pm ET | Designated Players Club | Join Ticket Waitlist
🏀 Women’s Basketball at Auburn @ 7pm ET

Friday, February 16

🏊 Swim and Dive First Chance Meet
🥎 Softball vs. Washington @ 9:30am ET | Designated Players Club | Tickets
📣 Stunt vs. Texas/Oklahoma Baptist @ 12pm/4pm ET
⚾️ Baseball at USC Upstate @ 3pm ET | Watch | Live Stats
🤸 Gymnastics vs. BYU | Tickets

Saturday, February 17

⛳️ Men’s Golf Gators Invitational
🎯 Rifle NCAA Qualifier @ 8amET | NCAA Scorecard | Live Targets
🥎 Softball vs. UCF/Texas @ 1pm/7pm ET | Designated Players Club | Join Ticket Waitlist 
📣 Stunt vs. Oklahoma State/Central Arkansas @ 2pm/3:15pm ET
⚾️ Baseball at USC Upstate @ 3pm ET | Live Stats
🏀 Men’s Basketball at Auburn @ 6pm ET

Sunday, February 18

⛳️ Men’s Golf Gators Invitational
🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. Florida @ 12pm ET | Tickets
🎾 Women’s Tennis vs. Eastern Kentucky @ 10am ET
⚾️ Baseball at USC Upstate @ 3pm ET | Live Stats

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: 15!

🔵 Have a great Wednesday!