Körber moved from the University of Utah, where she played for years and played twice in the Sweet 16.
(BYU Athletics) Graduate alongside hitter Kenzie Koerber attempted a kill in a recent victory over Saint Mary’s on September 25, 2021. Koerber has been successful at BYU since he moved there from the University of Utah.
Provo • It was a transition year for Kenzie Koerber.
The BYU women’s volleyball graduate moved there this summer after playing for years at the University of Utah. She was one of the leaders of a Utes team that rose to the Sweet 16 twice during her tenure.
But she left Salt Lake City and went south to Provo because she converted to Latter-day Saints and wanted to be in a more like-minded environment. Upon arrival, she was expected to be essentially the leader of the 2021 Cougars, who begin their NCAA tournament run against Boise State at Smith Fieldhouse on Saturday.
In her short time as a cougar, she has already built a team that played at Sweet 16 in April.
“She is very competitive and has a strong arm, and she knows the game of volleyball,” said junior middle blocker Heather Gneiting about Körber. “She played at a high level for a long time. So it’s really important that we play this every day in our gym to get better, and it helps all girls get better. “
Körber said that playing at BYU enabled her to have her best season as a volleyball player, both statistically and personally. Her hit rate and kills per set have increased, and she has been tickled by moments when fans stop her at the grocery store and excitedly ask, “Are you number 4?”
“It’s kind of cool that it’s a bit more of a tight-knit community down here, where everyone knows volleyball, everyone knows BYU sport,” said Koerber.
Cougars trainer Heather Olmstead described Koerber as a competitor and “great person”. Gneiting said she was an authentic person and did a good job throughout the season keeping in touch with each of her teammates.
And when it comes to being on the pitch, Olmstead described how much value Koerber has brought to BYU.
“I think I can count on Kenzie to get a permit when we need it, and relying on it at a crucial moment gives other people confidence,” said Olmstead. “We can still go to other people in an emergency, but we know she wants the ball and she loves those moments when the game is at stake.”
It seems clear that the transition year will be successful for Körber, even if it will be short.
“It was great and I wouldn’t trade it for the world and I’m very happy that I made the decision to come here,” she said.
Fast hits
• Alex Barcello is the men’s basketball team’s top scorer but it is his better defense that could take the Cougars to new heights.
• USC Athletics apologized for an insulting chant made by its student section to the BYU soccer team.
• Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are listed in the AP Top 25.
• BYU tight-end Isaac Rex apparently had an operation on the leg he injured against USC.
Other voices
• Former BYU quarterback Taysom Hill will reportedly take on the Dallas Cowboys for the New Orleans Saints Thursday night on KSLsports.com.
• Is it still possible for BYU football to get a New Years Eve six bowl game? Researching Desert News.
• A BYU basketball mailbag from the Vanquish the Foe SB Nation website.
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