By Sam Ranard

UK’s volleyball class of 2009 is ranked 13th in the nation, according to PrepVolleyball.com.

Coming off a 26-6 season, the Cats look to explode in 2009 with an impressive incoming class. In addition to being ranked 13th, the arriving 2009 freshman class is also the best in the Southeaster Conference, according to PrepVolleyball.com.

UK head coach Craig Skinner has picked up some of the best volleyball talent in the nation. Skinner signed three incoming volleyball players for the upcoming season marking his second consecutive top-15 recruiting class, according to PrepVolleyball.com. The incoming freshmen include Zan Morgan, Whitney Billings and Stephanie Klefot.

Zan Morgan will also be a member of the UK Track and Field team as a high jumper. Morgan, who is an Alabama native, has been named first-team all-state twice in her high school career. The Mountain Brook High School graduate holds the school record for both all-time career blocks and kills.

Whitney Billings, who is also from Alabama, earned six varsity letters in her time at Pelham High School. Billings’ impressive résumé includes being named to the 2008 Under Armour All-American High School Volleyball Team.

Louisville native Stephanie Klefot has also had many accomplishments during her high school volleyball career. The list includes a national championship at the USAV Junior Olympics in 2004 and 2006. Klefot plays Amateur

Athletic Union Volleyball and has won three national championships doing so.

The incoming class will help supplement an experienced cast who will open the season against Northwestern on Aug. 28.