Caitlin Welch

Class:
Senior
High School:
Mercy
Hometown:
Louisville, Ky.

2012: Caitlin made the USA Volleyball National A2 Team and competed in Dallas this past summer with some of the best players in the nation. She was named to the All-BIG EAST Tournament Team and All-BIG EAST Second Team. As libero, she led the team with 628 digs (5.19/set). Throughout the season, she garnered attention for her passing and defense as she was named to the all-tournament team at the conclusion of the Active Ankle Challenge and the BIG EAST/Big Ten Challenge. She notched her 1,000th career dig against Western Kentucky in season-opener and went on to become the program leader in digs against Cincinnati on Nov. 11 and the single-season leader with She has 1604 career digs . She had ... Has 13 matches with at least 20 digs this season including 32 in the NCAA match against final four participant Michigan. She set a career-high with 37 digs against Texas.

2011: Caitlin Welch earned All-Tournament honors at the Baymont Bobcat Classic. She led the team with 519 digs (4.41/set) and was third on the team with 30 aces. Her 21 digs against Connecticut was tops by a Cardinal in a three-set match since the inception of 25 point sets. Season highlights came against Wichita State where she recorded a match-high 22 digs and against Virginia when she tied her career-high with 23 digs. Against Purdue in the BIG EAST/Big Ten Challenge, she led the Cardinals with 19 digs. Versus Villanova, Welch set a career-high with 29 digs. In the NCAA against Ball State, she tallied a match-high 16 digs and dished out seven assists. In the final match of the season, she had a match-high 16 digs against Purdue in the NCAAs.

2010: Caitlin Welch worked her way into the starting libero spot as a freshman. She led the team with 457 digs on the season (3.84/set) and was second on the team with 24 aces. Early in the season, she recorded 18 digs against Butler during the Arizona Wildcat Classic to go along with 17 against #24 Arizona. At her best against the best, she averaged 3.78 digs/set against ranked teams. She tied her career-high with 23 digs against Seton Hall in the opening round of the BIG EAST Tournament. She averaged 4.64 digs per set during the BIG EAST Tournament.

High School: Caitlin Welch, a libero from Mercy Academy in Louisville was a member of the two-time reigning state championship team. She is a two-time first team all-state member and this year was the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Most Valuable Player. Named the Region 6 player of the Year as a senior, her team at Mercy Academy finished with 36 wins to just 6 losses. During her junior year, Caitlin's team only lost one match and finished with an impressive 40 wins en route to their second placed national finish. Caitlin is a member of the all-district and all-region teams for all four years of her high school career. She is also a three-time AAU All-American, and a four time member of the Berkeley Premier All-Tournament Team. Prep Volleyball named her a Top 20 Defensive Dandy and a Senior Ace.

Personal: Daughter of Lee Anne and Kevin Welch. Born March 22, 1992. Major is sports administration.

FavoritesVolleyball player: Sarah DruryHobby: Working outMovies: Man On Fire, A Walk to RememberTV Shows: One Tree HillMusical groups: Sugarland, The MaineFavorite Foods: Strawberry banana yogurtHer advice to youngsters: If you have a dream, strive for it, don't give it up and live it to the fullest Person she'd most like to meet: Channing TatumHer biggest thrill in sports: Winning back-to-back state championships and making the A2 National TeamBook: Twilight SeriesWords that describe her: Gullible, outgoing, determinedIf she could have dinner with three people (current, historical and fictional): Robert Pattinson, Michael Jackson, Hagrid

Career HighsKills: 1, vs. 4 opponentsAttacks: 3, at St. John's Oct. 10, 2012Assists: 10, USF, Oct. 24, 2010Serve aces: 4, at Purdue, Dec. 04, 2010Digs: 37 vs. Texas, Oct. 8, 2012