Meet Kendall Stark, a rising volleyball star who brings energy, leadership, and heart to every game she plays. A standout left-handed setter and right-side hitter, Kendall competes at a high level for San Clemente Volleyball Club and recently completed her freshman season on the JSerra Girls Varsity Volleyball team. In this exclusive Q&A, Kendall shares how she got started in the sport, what motivates her, her favorite memories, and what it takes to balance life as a student-athlete with big dreams on and off the court.

How did you get started playing volleyball, and what made you fall in love with the sport?
Funny story—but I wasn’t even planning on playing volleyball for a club. In 6th grade, I wanted to play for my school team, so I went to San Clemente’s training clinics. The coach got my name, and when I didn’t show up to tryouts, he called my mom and said there was one spot left if I wanted to play. From then on, I loved the sport and never want to stop playing.

Who has been the most influential person in your volleyball journey so far?
In my volleyball journey, my high school and club coach Mike Murphy has been the most influential person. He teaches me how to reach the level of skill I need to play at a high level. Mike also inspires me to work hard and be the best version of myself I can be. Coach Mike also helps me grow in my faith and become closer to God.

What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am a lefty setter and right-side hitter. I love being a setter because I get to be the leader on the court and run the offense. When I’m in the front row, I get to go for big kills and blocks, which fires me up even more.

How do you balance academics, volleyball, and personal time during the season?
School is really important to me. I’m taking multiple honors classes at a very prestigious high school. To balance everything, I just focus on one brick at a time—not the whole wall or workload. I focus on what’s in front of me, whether it’s training or doing homework assignments. Then, after being locked in on my tasks, I find time for myself and my family.

What’s your favorite memory from your volleyball experience?
My favorite volleyball memory was definitely going to the invite-only Under Armour Next camp last week. I loved working with the best high school players around the country and showing the coaches what I can do.

What’s a typical training day like for you during the season?
While juggling high school softball season and club volleyball, a typical day is: wake up, go to school, softball practice, come home and do homework, then volleyball practice, then come home, shower, and sleep.

How would you describe your team’s chemistry this season?
My team’s chemistry this season was the best we’ve ever had! All of the girls get along perfectly, and over the last couple of years, we’ve become a family. I know I can talk to any one of my teammates about anything, and they’ll always have my back.

What’s one drill or workout you secretly enjoy (or hate to love)?
I secretly enjoy coach-on-ones. It’s a drill where it’s just you and the coach. The coach spikes the ball anywhere, then tips it to the other side of the court, and you have to keep running back and forth getting the balls up.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game or big tournament?
Three days before a big tournament, I make sure to do my regular training session with my dad, which includes box jumps and calf raises to improve my vertical. The night before a big game, I make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep. Then before the game, I say a prayer and leave it all out on the court.

What personal goals have you set for yourself this season?
For my high school season, my goal was to get an opportunity to play. Once I got that opportunity, I proved myself as a worthy contributor and earned a spot on the court. For my club team, as team captain, I wanted to be the quarterback of my team and lead them to success in every way I could. Through our hard work, we won Division 2 in SCVA, which is a huge achievement for us.

What’s a piece of advice you’ve received from a coach that stuck with you?
My coach Mike Murphy told me, “Today you must do what others won’t, so tomorrow you will do what others can’t.” This quote inspires me to get up and train hard each day—even when I don’t feel like it. I strive to play my best at every practice and never miss an opportunity to get better.

What motivates you to keep pushing through tough practices or losses?
What really motivates me is trying to be the best player I can be and unlock my full potential. Losses only make us stronger as a team, and tough practices build our character. I love rising up after a setback and showing the world what I can be.

Where do you see yourself in volleyball over the next 3–5 years?
I just finished my freshman season on the JSerra Girls Varsity Volleyball program. I hope to play three more years there and then, hopefully, continue at the collegiate level.

How do you handle pressure during close matches or high-stakes points?
I love close matches and high-stakes points! I always get fired up and just stick to my mechanics. As the setter and team captain, I’m responsible for picking up my team, so I make sure to bring energy and set my teammates up for success.

Who’s the funniest teammate on the squad, and why?
The funniest girl on my team is definitely Madi Goodrich. She was the only other freshman on varsity at JSerra with me and is also my libero on my club team. At our last Vegas tournament, we went out to the dance floor and started dancing our hearts out until almost 40 girls joined us. Plus, her out-of-pocket comments and jokes always make me laugh.

Favorite volleyball player or team you look up to?
My favorite volleyball player is Charlotte Glass. She’s going to be a college player at Duke. I look up to her a lot because she’s a great lefty setter, and it’s hard to predict her next move. When she’s in the front row, she can either set her hitters or do a setter dump and attack herself.

Do you have any pre-game rituals, superstitions, or pump-up songs?
Before a game, I love to blast music and sing at the top of my lungs with my teammates. I also always make sure to have my cross necklace on to remind me who I’m playing for.

What’s your go-to post-tournament meal or snack?
After a tournament, I LOVE getting açaí bowls. I usually get mine with granola, peanut butter, Nutella, and bananas.

If you weren’t playing volleyball, what sport would you try instead?
If I wasn’t playing volleyball, I would definitely want to try flag football. It sounds like so much fun to be quarterback and lead your team to success!

What’s something fans or coaches might be surprised to learn about you?
I think coaches and fans would be surprised to learn that I’m a competitive softball player as well. I’ve been playing since I was six and am currently on the JSerra Varsity Softball team.

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