The 2026 Penn State volleyball season is almost here and Nittany Lion fans get to see rightside hitter Kennedy Martin one final time on the NCAA court for her senior year.
Though the blue and white was quite far away from even being national championship contenders, reagrdless of making it into the postseason, Martin still proved she was not only the best on the court for Penn State but one of the best in the country. She was named a first-team AVCA All-American in 2025, which was her second straight first-team nod and third All-American honor in her collegiate career.
Heading into her final season, Martin also earned her third AVCA Player of the Year Watch List recognition. She was one of 30 players in the country to start off this battle. In 2025, she was named a semifinalist for the award. Pittsburgh's Olivia Babcock was announced as the winner in 2025.
Kennedy Martin earns spot on AVCA Player of the Year Watch List
Martin was the go-to hitter for former setter Addie Lyon in 2025. She totaled 634 kills and finished with a 31.9 percent attack rate. She finished the season with 728 points, averaging 6.22 points per set. Martin led the Nittany Lions in all categories excluding hitting percentage (second-highest on the team).
She also led the Big Ten in kills and was second in the conference in kills per set (5.44). Nationally, Martin ranked second in points per set, third in total kills, third in kills per set, and third in total points. It's no surprise to see the 6-foot-6 rightside back on the Player of the Year Award Watch List, to say the least.
She also earned a spot on the Big Ten Preseason All-Conference Team as voted on by coaches in the conference. Martin was a unanimous decision for the preseason team and was joined by new Penn State setter Alexis Stucky. Stucky transferred from Florida in the offseason where Martin used to play during her freshman and sophomore seasons.
Martin is a beast on the court. She can play up at the net or in the back row. Though her defense faltered at times, she made up for it with impressive swings from behind the 10-foot line. With a reloaded roster, Martin should have the support from her teammates rather than carry all the weight herself, but she will still be Stucky's favorite target on the court.
The AVCA will add players midseason in October and announce semifinalists in November. In December, the AVCA will announce its finalists for the award and the winner will be revealed at the AVCA Awards Banquet on Dec. 18.
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