Above: West Burlington High School senior McKenna Marlow will be spiking the ball for Southeastern Community College this fall. Marlow, shown here in a match at Central Lee this past season, will be pursuing an education career while hitting for the Blackhawks. Photo/Chris Faulkner
By Chris Faulkner
McKenna Marlow of West Burlington High School isn't quite following in her sister's footsteps.
Marlow, a senior for the Falcons, will be competing in volleyball next fall. But while Sidney Marlow (West Burlington Class of '21) is a sophomore at Morningside University, McKenna will stay closer to home a hitter for Southeastern Community College just down the road.
“There was a little bit of pressure,” Marlow said of coming up through the program behind her sister.
“I had to step up my game to fulfill her role. She's a great athlete, and I knew that they were big shoes to fill.”
But Sidney's advice to her was “to keep my head high and just play the best version of me every game that I can and to play the best of my ability.”
Marlow, an all-district player, finished her senior year with 258 kills for the Falcons. She led the team in digs with 532 and served a team-high 40 aces.
Marlow wanted to stay close to home, and SCC is giving her a full scholarship as she sets out to eventually become an elementary school teacher.
Marlow plays basketball and runs track as well. “Just being into different sports allows me to grow connections with different people, to stay active,” she said.
Marlow said Coach Maureen Heath helped improve a lot of her skills. “She pushed me to all of my limits,” Marlow said.
“It's going to be challenging,” Marlow said of moving on to the next level, “but I'm always up for new obstacles coming my way. I have a great support system with my family, friends, and coaches.”