From the very start, the Chico State volleyball team knew exactly what Kim Wright would contribute when she agreed to join the Wildcats’ program five years ago: athleticism, leadership, an unbridled enthusiasm for the game, and a passion for winning. The San Diego product did not disappoint, leading the ’Cats to three postseason appearances and an NCAA Championship Tournament berth, while in the process totally rearranging the Chico State record book. Her efforts also resulted in numerous personal honors, including her most recent—the Chico Enterprise-Record Female Senior Athlete of the Year award. We salute Wright’s outstanding body of work by making her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
“Kim will forever be associated and remembered within the Chico State volleyball program,” said Interim Head Coach Tommy Gott. “I, and I know Cody (Hein, the late head coach of the ’Cats) couldn’t be more proud of what Kim has done during her time at Chico State, and she deserves all the credit and recognition for everything that she’s achieved.”
The Female Senior Athlete of the Year award caps off an outstanding 2019 season that saw Wright also claim First Team All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), All-West Region, and All-America honors. She delivered a career-high 360 kills —second-most of any CCAA player last season—while also ranking among the conference’s elite in hitting percentage (.347), service aces (39), total blocks (85), and points per set (4.25). She also finished among the top 50 hitters in the nation in hitting percentage and points per set.
Wright concluded her career as Chico State’s all-time service ace leader (152), while ranking in the Wildcat career top 10 in kills (seventh, 1,119), attack percentage (tied for second, .317), solo blocks (fourth, 66), block assists (third, 273), total blocks (third, 339), and sets played (fourth, 425). She also excelled in the classroom, earning six CCAA All-Academic awards.
But the numbers tell just part of the story.
“Kim’s accolades, accomplishments, and records on the court speak for themselves,” Gott said. “However, it’s her work ethic, leadership skills, and overall commitment to the program off the court that really speak more about the legacy of Kim Wright. She is someone who truly embodies and exemplifies the ‘Wildcat Spirit’ and what it means to be a Wildcat!
Throughout her career, Kim experienced adversity on various levels, from season-ending injury (as a true freshman in 2015) to some program challenges and difficulties in more recent years. But she never failed to step up to the challenges, and persevered.”
All told, Wright racked up three All-CCAA awards, one All-West Region honor, and became just the 10th Chico State volleyball player in the program’s 44-year history to merit All-America status.
But it’s her infectious smile, the obvious joy she displayed on the court, and the pure devotion to her teammates and the extended “Wildcat Family” that neatly frames Kim Wright’s Chico State volleyball career—one that will be remembered for years to come.
