Two-time state champion Kennedy Phelan commits to FSU
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (BVM) 鈥� Volleyball has always been special for Kennedy Phelan. She鈥檚 been playing volleyball for most of her life and she finally reached one of the pinnacles of her athletic career when she was awarded 2021-22 Gatorade Arkansas Volleyball Player of the Year.聽
鈥淚 think my parents woke me up with a huge bottle of Gatorade,鈥� Phelan said. 鈥淎fter I had a bit to wake up and process what had happened, it became a very surreal experience. I grew up watching many incredible Fayetteville volleyball players earn this award, and it was definitely something I am honored to be named.鈥�
The 5-foot-8 junior setter led the Fayetteville Bulldogs to an overall record of 32-4 and back-to-back Class 6A state championships. In her award-winning season, Phelan produced 1,123 assists, 274 digs, 112 service aces, 88 kills and 31 blocks. Following the state championship, Phelan was named the 2021 6A state tournament MVP and the All-Arkansas Preps Player of the Year.
鈥淲e were the reigning state champs; there was a lot on the line,鈥� Phelan said. 鈥淲e played out of our minds. Every single person put out their best game of the year in that final. It was such a great group of girls to win it with鈥t was absolutely incredible. The feeling of that ball dropping on match point, the team running out on the court, the dogpile; there鈥檚 nothing like it.鈥�
BACK to BACK STATE CHAMPIONS
— FHS Bulldogs (@FayBulldogs)
The Bulldogs would sweep Har-Ber High School in three sets. Phelan finished with 41 assists and 14 digs to propel the Bulldogs to their sixth championship in program history.
鈥淜ennedy is a total package threat,鈥� Southside High School head volleyball coach Natalie Throneberry said in a Gatorade . 鈥淭he service line, back-row defense, setting accuracy and鈥昲er biggest area of growth鈥昽n the front row, with better blocking and an ability to dump really coming on this season. With a game on the line, I鈥檇 want the ball in Kennedy鈥檚 hands.鈥�
Along with the awards and winning a championship alongside her teammates, Phelan has also got to play volleyball for her mom, Jessica Phelan. Jessica played volleyball at the University of Arkansas and was the first player to earn All-American status. Jessica was inducted into the Razorback Hall of Fame in 2011.聽聽
鈥淸It] really just makes the whole situation sweeter,鈥� Kennedy said. 鈥淏eing the coach’s kid does come with added expectation, but it has been so incredible to share my Fayetteville career with her.鈥�
Now, as Kennedy鈥檚 career continues to take off, Kennedy is thankful for her mom and her experiences growing up around volleyball.
鈥淰olleyball is such a huge part of my life, and getting the chance to do what I love every day is incredibly special,鈥� Kennedy said. 鈥淚 grew up eager to play, following my mom鈥檚 high school team everywhere. I was a gym rat; played in all the kiddie clinics and leagues for as long as I remember. My first year of travel ball was in the third grade, and I just fell in love with the sport.鈥�
Having that love for the sport instilled at an early age helped create an extraordinary drive in Kennedy. That drive has led her to want to be the best and continue her athletic career at the collegiate level.聽
I am sooo excited to announce that I have committed to play both indoor and beach volleyball at Florida State University!!! I鈥檝e had endless support from my parents, family, teammates, Jenny, and many other coaches and friends. Go Noles!!!
— Kenna Phelan (@PhelanKennedy)
鈥淔SU was my dream school,鈥� Kennedy said. 鈥淭hey compete at a high level on both the indoor and outdoor surfaces. Coach Poole (the indoor coach at FSU) coached my mom while he was at Arkansas. I had met some of the older commits at camps and knew I could see myself there. I actually ended up committing the same day they offered me.鈥�
Kennedy鈥檚 athletic drive has also trickled over into her academic life too. She鈥檚 maintained a 3.91 GPA throughout high school and continues to volunteer at Potter鈥檚 House in Fayetteville.聽
鈥淭he community means everything,鈥� Kennedy said. 鈥淭here is something special about being a part of Fayetteville volleyball and the legacy that comes with it. We had so much support this year from our parents and students, and it really made this year so much more special.鈥�
Kennedy will aim to capture her third state title in her senior season. But when she reaches Tallahassee, Kennedy has bigger goals she wants to accomplish.
鈥淚n indoor, I would love to help our team finish high in the NCAA championships and compete for an ACC championship,鈥� Kennedy said. 鈥淔SU has so many talented returners and strong commits coming in, and I really think that we can accomplish something very special. As for the beach side [of things], it would be incredible for FSU to make it back to the finals and get the national championship.鈥�
A lot of great things lie ahead for Kennedy. And whatever she accomplishes, it will be remembered by many people, especially those in Fayetteville and those who are close to her.聽
鈥淥ur school support was definitely one of the best in the state,鈥� Kennedy said. 鈥淢y support system is endless, and I am so grateful for each and every person to be involved in my athletic journey.鈥澛�
