As we say goodbye to 2022, we take a look back at some of the Herald-Leader staff photographers’ favorite and best University of Kentucky sports photos of the past year.
The images below and more in the year-in-review video slideshow above, showcase the highs from football and basketball games for the Wildcats, like early in the year with Citrus Bowl and SEC Tournament victories.
Our our photographers also captured the tough times UK was knocked down, but also and the tough times the Cats’ were there for the fans like aiding Eastern Kentucky flood relief efforts.
If you wish to buy a reprint of any Herald-Leader / Kentucky.com image, email Brian Simms at bsimms@herald-leader.com.
Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts to a foul called against the Wildcats during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
University of Kentucky women’s basketball player Rhyne Howard carries the SEC Tournament trophy as the team arrives at the Joe Craft Center on the UK campus in Lexington, Ky., on Sunday, March 6, 2022, after winning the Southeastern Conference Tournament for the first time in 40 years. The unranked Wildcats defeated the No. 1 Gamecocks, 64-62 on a three-pointer by Dre’una Edwards. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Kentucky midfielder Marcel Meinzer jumps over Louisville goalkeeper Osmar Chavero while trying to score with the ball in the first half during a game at Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, September 6, 2022. The UK team won both the Sun Belt Conference regular season and tournament championships in its first season in the league, and finished the regular season undefeated for the first time in school history. But for the third straight season, UK was eliminated in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. Silas Walker swalker@herald-leader.com
Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis grimaces after being sacked and losing his helmet from the hit by the Florida Gators defense during the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, September 10, 2022. UK would go on to beat the Gators, 26-16, making head coach Mark Stoops the program’s all-time winningest coach. Silas Walker swalker@herald-leader.com
Kentucky’s Cally Nixon performs on the uneven bars during the annual Excite Night meet at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., Friday, January 14, 2022. Nixon, a senior, would go on to compete in the individual component of the 2022 NCAA Championships with two other Wildcats. Silas Walker swalker@herald-leader.com
