Nation Ford High senior Kennedy Martin has been named the S.C. Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2022 volleyball season.
Martin had an outstanding senior season. She had 604 kills and 239 digs this past season in leading Nation Ford to a 29-10-1 record. The outside hitter also had 49 blocks, 40 aces and 18 assist with a .535 kill percentage guiding the Falcons to the 5A state quarterfinals.
She joins former teammate and classmate Sophie Fischer, who was a two-time S.C. Gatorade Player of the Year for the school in 2019 and 2020.
Martin, who has signed with the University of Florida, had her choices of Division I schools. She was recruited heavily by Northwestern, Southern Cal, Penn State and Ohio State, but picked the Gators.
Martin is now in the running for the National Gatorade Player of the Year award. She was ranked 18th in the nation in the Class of 2023 recruiting class.
Nation Ford head volleyball coach Craig Brown said Martin is a well-rounded player and person.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Kennedy,” Brown said. “Not only is she a great volleyball player, but she is also a young lady of high character. She represents herself, her family and her school with class and dignity. I can’t wait to see what she does at the University of Florida.”
Martin has a 4.74 GPA in the classroom and graduates early this month to start college.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
