Bouncing back: Mississippi State volleyball captains set for 2020 season
STARKVILLE, Miss. (BVM) — Four days ago, the SEC announced that the postponement of the volleyball, soccer, and the cross country seasons would continue. The SEC had previously announced in July that the sports seasons would be posted through at least Aug. 31. This affects many athletes, but it hasn’t impacted the chemistry between Mississippi State volleyball captains Kendall Murr and Logan Brown.
Before this season, the two Mississippi State volleyball players had to put their athletic careers on hold. Murr missed her junior season with a leg injury, and Brown transferred from the University of Arkansas, which required her to sit out a year. But now both will be leading the Bulldogs as they look to capture their first-ever conference title.
Along with an experienced roster, the Bulldogs are bringing in five talented freshmen. This year’s recruiting class brings numerous state titles, all-state awards, and other national awards they received during their high school career.
In addition to the improved roster, head coach Julie Darty is in the middle of constructing something special in Starkville. Before taking the Mississippi State job, she was coaching at Jacksonville University, where she had an overall record of 58-60 and two winning seasons. In 2014, Darty’s first year with the Dolphins, they made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Both Brown and Murr are essential to that process.
Brown moved nine hours to get comfortable with her new squad only to find out she was denied eligibility and was forced to miss the 2019 season. Around the same time, Murr suffered a season-ending leg injury. Following these hardships, both have looked to each other for inspiration. This upcoming season will be the first time either of them takes to the court since 2018.
Because both spent so much time off the court together, a friendship developed between the two. Brown keeps the team focused on their main objectives, and Murr serves as the emotional leader. With these different leadership styles it serves as the perfect combination.
Sitting out during the 2019 season challenged both players, but through different experiences, these captains found friendship, and they continue to enjoy the game they know and love.
