STONY BROOK, N.Y. — Julia Kim quickly bonded with fellow Illinois native LeAnne Sakowicz upon entering the Stony Brook volleyball program as a freshman last fall.
 
The two setters spent most of last season training together.

Kim learned about running the team's offense and scouting opponents under Sakowicz. Kim also emerged as the team's vocal leader, hyping teammates from the sidelines.
 
Now, Sakowicz has graduated, paving the way for Kim to assume the primary setter role. And Sakowicz predicts her one-time understudy will eclipse her own lofty accomplishments.

"I think she will exceed that by far, actually," Sakowicz said. 
 
Kim tallied 238 assists in nonconference play last year as a freshman and earned an America East Setter of the Week honor last Sept. 17, after combining for 96 assists in a two-day span against St. John's, Florida State and Florida A&M.
 
Sakowicz immediately recognized Kim's potential.
 
"I knew off the bat she was a team player, very friendly and was going to fit in very well," Sakowicz said. "She is very consistent and has beautiful hands. She was trained very well coming into college, and that is something that will help her excel."
 
Kim did not see action against conference rivals. She instead pitched in by scouting opponents from the sidelines.

Sakowicz, meanwhile, went on to earn her second consecutive America East Setter of the Year honor in 2019. 
 
"Coming in, I didn't think I would get that much court time," Kim said. "So, I took it as a learning year. At first, it's always tough not playing. But seeing LeAnne succeed on the court made me really happy." 
 
It was impossible to miss the impact Kim had on her teammates during matches.
 
"She brings a lot of energy to the court," Sakowicz said. "She really helps hype people up. Your hitters want to feel confident. I think a good characteristic she has as a setter is putting her players in good positions. That is going to not only help her excel in her career, but help the team as well."
 
Kim did not begin playing volleyball until age 13, and only because she was interested in playing alongside her friends. She nonetheless had to put in a lot of work in order to continue playing at Club Fusion, one of the country's most decorated volleyball clubs.
 
"My setting coach from Club Fusion always tells me that the day I walked into the club, I was the absolute worst player in the gym," Kim said. "She had to make a separate group for me because I was so bad."
 
It took her less than a year to go from the "worst" to the best player in her age group. She led the club team to the AAU Junior National Championship in 2015. 
 
Kim became a coveted prospect for college programs, but lost several offers after suffering a torn meniscus. She dejectedly called Stony Brook volleyball head coach Kristen Belzung and informed her of the injury, expecting another rejection.
 
Instead, Belzung wished Kim good luck with her rehab. And Kim knew Stony Brook was where she wanted to study and compete.

The setter put in extra time in the gym and on the court with her father — who played volleyball in their local church league — as well as trainers, fully recovering in six months.
 
Now, Kim feels ready to match the standards set by Sakowicz. 
 
"I made a personal goal for myself that I want to win the America East Setter of the Year award," Kim said. 

Said Belzung: "I expect Julia to really take ownership of running the offense. She is an easy person to connect with others because of her personality and vibe."