Zach Chandler with UK volleyball seniors Kendyl Paris, Madison Lilley and Gabby Curry at KSBar in Lexington. (Matt Chandler Photo)
Three seniors off the Kentucky national championship volleyball team got to meet fans and sign autographs and more twice in a three-day period. Madison Lilley, Gabby Curry, and Kendyl Paris had signing opportunities for UK fans Saturday at KSBar and Monday at Kentucky Roadshow Sports Cards & Memorabilia — both in Lexington.
It was a way the UK players wanted to give back to fans who supported them on their journey to the national title and also showed what a terrific legacy the seniors — along with Avery Skinner who will take her fifth year at Baylor next season — are leaving behind at Kentucky.
Danville’s Matt Chandler was one of those who took time to go see the seniors. He took his 3-year-old son Zach to KSBar to let him have a chance to meet the Kentucky trio of national champions.
“My wife was in Letcher County with her family for her baby shower, so my 3 year old and I were on our own for the weekend,” Chandler said. “We went to OVW wrestling Friday night and decided to go to the volleyball signing Saturday.
“I also have two older nieces who love volleyball and wanted to get some stuff signed for them.”
It was something Chandler certainly was glad he did.
“My son had a great time. He is definitely a people person and was excited to meet the players. He loved getting to hold the (national championship) trophy,” Chandler said. “They (the players) were awesome. They loved Zach and seemed to genuinely enjoy getting to interact with fans and were excited to see how many people had shown up.”
It has been a stressful last few weeks for Chandler and his wife, Abbie. Obviously, they are expecting their second child but they also were not rehired at Danville High School but now have been hired at Franklin County (Matt Chandler was also an assistant football coach and was not offered a chance to keep that job either after Clay Clevenger was not hired back as head coach).
“It has definitely been a stressful last few months for my wife and I professionally and, of course, that leads to personal stress too. It was really cool to have a day and a weekend to hang out with my son and try to have as much fun as we could,” Chandler said.
“I will definitely not miss my first-row seat to the circus that I’ve been working in the last few months.”
The Chandlers are UK season ticket holders in football but also try to attend as many other games in other sports as possible.
“We will be moving to Frankfort so we will still be very close to Lexington. That should help as far as us being able to attend (volleyball matches next year),” Chandler said.
