Penn State women’s volleyball outside hitter Kennedy Martin has been named to the AVCA Women’s Volleyball National Player of the Year Watch List for the third straight season.

Martin is one of 30 players on this year’s watch list, including 10 from Big Ten schools. She reached the award’s semifinalist stage in the past two seasons.

The senior enters the 2026 season with 1,638 career kills after totaling 634 in her first season with the Nittany Lions in 2025.

Martin led the nation in points per set (6.28) as a sophomore and ranked second nationally with 6.22 points per set last season.

The outside hitter is already a three-time All-American, earning first-team honors in each of the last two seasons. She’s also been named a two-time Academic All-American, a three-time all-region selection, and a three-time all-conference honoree across her time in the SEC and Big Ten.

The AVCA introduced its preseason National Player of the Year Watch List in 2024, and at least one Penn Stater has been included every year since.

About the Author

Ella Cofone

Ella is a third-year broadcast journalism major from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She's usually missing her dog and telling everyone the Flyers are definitely going to win the cup this year. For movie recommendations or other reasons, you can contact her via email at emc5928@psu.edu or on Instagram @postcofone

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