It has been almost 10 months to the day since Marion capped a dream volleyball season with a thrilling five-set victory over Farmington in the 2025 Class 5A state volleyball final, but in some ways, it feels like it was just yesterday.
Marion (28-2 overall in 2025) clinched the fourth state volleyball title in school history (2010, 2011 and 2015) by winning the last two sets from ultra-talented Farmington to clinch the title at Hot Springs' Bank OZK Arena.
“It just really felt like a culmination for that group of girls,” said Marion head coach Lisa Beasley. “It was just a storybook season no matter how you look at it. The team got along, they blocked out any distractions that ever came along, they worked hard, they just showed up every day, ready to play. It was a great honor to have a front-row seat.”
Marion's accomplishments in 2025 were vast, even outside of the state title, as the Patriots won the 5A East outright for the second time in three seasons, and at least a share of the league crown for the fourth time in five years.
The Patriots did not lose a match at home, including a 3-0 mark when the school hosted the 2025 Class 5A state volleyball tournament, as the Pats won nine sets over three days to make the final for the first time since 2016.
Marion did not lose a contest to a fellow Arkansas team last fall, only absorbing losses to Tennessee powers Collierville (in four sets) and Houston (in three sets of a best-of-three).
The Pats later avenged the Collierville defeat with a September home victory, the first time Marion had topped the Dragons in volleyball.
Marion twice escaped a defeat to an in-state opponent in arguably the two biggest matches of the year.
The Pats found themselves two games ahead of second-place Valley View on October 9, when the Blazers visited Fidelity Bank Arena.
For more than two sets, Valley View seemed poised to get itself back into the league title hunt, claiming the first two sets before pushing the Pats to the brink with an 18-13 lead in the third set.
Instead, Marion rallied to victory in the third and fourth sets before leading wire to wire in the decisive set No. 5 for a dramatic reverse sweep that all but clinched the 5A East crown and No. 1 playoff seed for the Pats.
Then on November 1 in the state final, Marion fell behind Farmington two sets to one, but the Patriots responded with one of the better efforts of the season for a victory in the fourth set, before clipping the Cardinals in set No. 5 for the title.
“That group just loved playing the game; they were gritty, they were competitive, they just didn't want to lose, really,” said Beasley. “It was remarkable to watch them every game because they just got it. They'd set a goal and wanted to be sure to achieve it.”
Six seniors, including four four-year letter-winners, graduated following the final, including all-state performers St. Petersburg College signee Kaitlyn Austin, North Alabama signee Kennedy Bullins, and three-year standout libero Abbi Simmons, but “I think this year's group feels like it has something to prove,” said Beasley. “We have felt for a while that a lot of these girls would have been playing a lot more if not for that big group last year.”
The 2026 Marion volleyball team features 10 seniors, one of the largest groups in program history.
“This year's team really loves each other; they just like being together,” said Beasley. “They play for their teammates; they're close, they're goofy, which is great, honestly. They just are a tight-knit group.”
Two-time all-state performer Kendall Brown earned almost any accolade that a player could during Marion's run to the title, and she likely plays even more rotations this fall. “She was just born to be a volleyball player,” said Beasley. “She loves it, she loves working at it, she's so naturally talented already, but also loves to study the game. Everyone thinks she's one of the two or three best players in the state.” Brown committed in August to Alabama State University.
Claire Brinkley earned all-conference honors last season, when she finished a close second on the team in assists. Brinkley, who will serve as a Team Captain with Brown, “plays insanely hard on every point,” said Beasley. “Between her and Kendall, they both just have to play volleyball; that's their thing. She's left skin and blood in every gym we have ever played, and it just doesn't seem to bother her.”
All-conference performer Marlee Williams is back for her third varsity season after producing one of the top off-seasons on the club. Williams impressed coaches over the summer with all-around improved play and leadership capabilities. “She just does so many things for our team,” said Beasley. “Everyone sees what she does on the floor, which is a lot, but she's a tremendous teammate away from the floor, as well.”
Annabelle “A.B.” White earned all-league honors a season ago when she ranked third on the club in digs and appeared in every varsity contest. The Henderson State commit dazzled over the off-season as the team's libero, where “it was pretty amazing to watch her,” said Beasley. “She gets to a lot of balls that most people can't. She keeps balls up; she doesn't care to hit the floor. She's something to see.”
Izzy Fenter appeared in more than half of the matches a season ago and “went off this winter,” said Beasley. “She's tall, athletic, she doesn't get too high or too low, and that's a big deal for us.”
Bren Sutton appeared in more than half the matches in 2025 and “absolutely smacks the ball,” said Beasley. “She hits one of the heaviest balls; she's added tools and shots. She's really worked on her game.”
Alli “Gator” Sharp and Mallorie Sharp profile as crack defenders on the back row. Sharp is “competitive and tough,” said Beasley. “She has come a long, long way even just since the spring. She has great instincts.” Sharp “has a knack for finding and passing the ball,” said Beasley. “She's smart, and her serve is unreal.”
Emma McKinness “is a blocking machine,” said Beasley. “She works hard, she's a great teammate, and she likes to make plays at the net.”
Harper Doyle “has improved in every way that you can,” said Beasley. “She's shown up, worked hard, she's asking questions, she's played great. She will have a great year.”
Junior Reese Jackson likely alternates this season between setter and defensive specialist, while classmate Taylor Ruffin emerged in June and July as a middle hitter.
Isabelle Shirley excels defensively on the back row, while Madelyn Hamrick will play at several spots around the court. Sophomore Maeson Shelton had a big off-season upon returning to the district.