Kentucky has extended volleyball coach Craig Skinner’s contract through 2031, keeping in place the winningest coach in program history and the architect of the Wildcats’ rise to national prominence. Since taking over in 2004, Skinner has led Kentucky to a national championship, nine straight SEC titles and an NCAA Tournament berth every season.

By the Numbers
  • 500 wins during Skinner’s 22-year tenure.
  • 21 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
  • 9 straight SEC championships, from 2017 through 2025.
  • 1 national championship, in 2020; Kentucky also reached the Final Four in 2025.
Yes, But

Kentucky’s sustained success marks a dramatic turnaround: before Skinner arrived, the program had gone more than a decade without an NCAA Tournament appearance. His first season ended with a 17-12 record and the Wildcats’ first tournament berth since 1993.

State of Play
  • The No. 4 Wildcats return to action Wednesday at No. 9 Tennessee.
  • Kentucky hosts No. 19 Texas A&M on Sunday, Oct. 25, in a rematch of the 2025 national championship match.
What's Next

Skinner and Kentucky will look to finish the 2026 season strong while continuing the championship-level run the extension is designed to sustain.

Bottom Line

The extension gives Kentucky continuity through 2031—and signals confidence that Skinner’s championship standard can keep the Wildcats among the nation’s elite.