On the other side is Kendall Brown Kendall Brown 5'8" | OH/MB Marion | 2027 State AR , and I’m not sure there is much she hasn’t done for Marion. The senior captain has played 281 varsity sets during her career and has lined up at middle, outside, and even defensive specialist. More importantly, Brown helped lead Marion to the 5A state championship last season. She has been in these matches before and knows exactly what they require.

Even with the unexpected departure of Jaida Sturdivant Jaida Sturdivant 5'11" | MB/RS Marion | 2027 AR right before the season, Marion hasn’t missed a beat. The Patriots already avenged one of their only two losses from last season by beating Collierville, then followed it up with that battle against Westside. Senior Marlee Williams Marlee Williams MB AR has really stepped up in Sturdivant’s absence, already putting down 28 kills with 7 aces and 5 blocks. Junior Taylor Ruffin has added 16 kills and 5 blocks, while seniors Claire Brinkley Claire Brinkley S/RS Marion | 2027 State AR , Alli Sharpe, and Annabelle White Annabelle White DS AR have provided some much-needed stability.

These two went five the last time they met, and I don’t see much reason to expect anything different. I’m calling another five-setter.

Senior captain Kendall Brown Kendall Brown 5'8" | OH/MB Marion | 2027 State AR will show up everywhere for Marion this fall. She and fellow captain Claire Brinkley Claire Brinkley S/RS Marion | 2027 State AR will try to run it back for the defending 5A state champions. The job may be a little tougher this time around, with five key contributors gone and some new threats waiting in the 5A.

Don’t expect that to rattle Brown. She was a huge part of Marion’s title run last season and has three years and 281 varsity sets under her belt. Kendall has played middle, outside, and even defensive specialist during her career. Wherever Marion has needed her, she has found a way to produce.

Expect Brown to pile up the numbers this season, but her biggest job may be helping rally the troops around a new-look lineup. Marion has talent coming back, but replacing at least five contributors from a championship team isn’t easy.

If Brown can lead the Patriots through that transition and get them back to Hot Springs, we may not have much of a Player of the Year debate left.

Kendall is one of the most physically gifted players in Arkansas and engine that makes the Marion offense go. She consistently finds ways to score whether she is attacking from the pins or blistering a backrow attack. Brown has the ability to elevate above blockers with her explosive athleticism. Last season led the 5A state champions in kills with 347 and in the top three in several other categories for the Patriots. She is currently committed to Alabama A&M and is one of two team captains.

What separates Kendall is that she isn’t simply a power hitter. She has developed into a smart attacker who recognizes defensive positioning and adjusts her shot selection throughout a match. Defensively, she brings length and physicality to the block while remaining active in transition. Brown is also the type of player whose intensity raises the level of everyone around her. She competes with confidence, embraces the big moments, and rarely looks overwhelmed regardless of the opponent. As Marion enters another season with championship aspirations, expect Kendall to once again be one of the state’s most productive and influential front-row players.

2025 Stats: 91 Sets | 347 Kills | 3.8 Kills/Set | .425 Hitting %

The 5A state championship run Marion went on last season was in large part to their versatile offense. Leading that charge was Kendall Brown Kendall Brown 5'8" | OH/MB Marion | 2027 State AR . Brown will have to repeat that and then some with the losses of Kennedy Bullins and Kaitlyn Austin. But with Jaida Sturdivant Jaida Sturdivant 5'11" | MB/RS Marion | 2027 AR returning along with Brown do not expect much of a drop off. Brown is as dynamic as they come. She can play all three front-row positions and her attack from the backrow is impressive. She was third on the team with 50 blocks and 224 digs. Kendall’s championship pedigree will be heading to Mississippi State after her senior year.

Kendall Brown Kendall Brown 5'8" | OH/MB Marion | 2027 State AR was a key piece of Marion’s 2025 5A State Championship run and has quickly established herself as one of the top outsides in Arkansas. As a junior, she recorded 938 kills with a .284 hitting percentage, along with 187 total blocks and 317 digs. Brown has a huge vertical and fast, strong arm swing, paired with a high volleyball IQ and an energetic presence on the court. Brown deserves much more recognition and hype for her athleticism, playing ability, and future potential.