Volleyball Signs UCLA Transfer Kiki Horne, Bolsters 2026 Attacking ForceVolleyball Signs UCLA Transfer Kiki Horne, Bolsters 2026 Attacking Force

Volleyball Signs UCLA Transfer Kiki Horne, Bolsters 2026 Attacking Force

by Alex Clough

ORLANDO - A captivating debut season for head coach Matt Botsford and the UCF volleyball program established both the expectations and culture that will be hallmarks of the new era. With his first full offseason in Orlando, Botsford and his staff have secured their first signing.

Junior transfer Kiki Horne, a standout at UCLA over the past two campaigns, has signed with the Black and Gold, a marquee move that will see the outside hitter team up with All-American Avah Armour.

Our priority when bringing someone into this program is to be certain that they have a good understanding of who we are and what we are working to achieve. We have ambitious goals and want to be clear with the expectations that exist for UCF Volleyball. From that, we work to establish how they can contribute to that path and how we can help them with their own development along the way. Kiki immediately connected to our vision of the future and that is precisely what we were looking for, and needed. Her talents as a volleyball player are undeniable, but what makes this addition so significant is her desire and commitment to making an impact. We can't wait to get her in the gym where she will have the opportunity to do exactly that!

Matt BotsfordHead Coach

Horne, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, was named the Gatorade State Player of the Year after her junior season at Millbrook High School, leading the squad to a historic 29-1 record and the Class 4A State Championship. After his outstanding prep career, the future Knights’ collegiate journey started on the West Coast, competing for UCLA as a freshman in 2024.

She was one of two Bruins to compete in all 29 matches, garnering the starting nod in nine contests. Horne tallied 249 kills and a .169 hitting clip to complement 14 double-digit kill performances, including a tantalizing stretch of seven consecutive to bridge non-conference and Big Ten play.

In the Los Angeles showdown, Horne boasted a career-high 17 kills, one of many remarkable outings from the then-freshman.

During her sophomore slate, Horne continued to feature for the Bruins in critical moments, tallying a kill in the NCAA Tournament against one-seeded Kentucky. She finished the season with 10 kills on 32 attempts, seeing time in seven matches.

On the defensive end, Horne's athletic ability and IQ propelled the future Knight to 0.40 blocks per set and 0.47 digs per set in two years.

 

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ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS

UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program, representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.