By Derrick Smith

Athletes put in a lot of work in order to become the best they can be. And while physical work is important, Kaylie Marshall says that being mentally prepared is just as important. 

“There is something that I learned over the years that I always remember,” she said. “No matter how big the setback is, there is always a bigger comeback. Things may get tough at times, but don’t give up, just keep working hard.”

Kaylie is a junior at Piedmont High School, where she is a multi-sport athlete for the Lady Wildcats. She plays volleyball, basketball, and runs track. Outside of sports, she is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was also on the committee during her school’s philanthropy week.

Over her career as a student-athlete, Marshall has had a lot of people that have influenced her life in one way or another. But she says that there is a group of people that have played a big part in the athlete she has become. 

“The biggest influences in my life are my teammates and coaches,” she said. “They always push me to be my very best, even on days that I don’t feel like it. Another person that has impacted my life is Will Ethridge. He has taught me to love to win more than I hate to lose. He always tells us to stay positive.”

Tom Williams, the head coach of the Piedmont volleyball team says that Marshall is a solid competitor and a key member of his squad. 

“Kaylie is the best all-around player on the team,” Williams said. “She was the team’s leading hitter as a sophomore in 2020. She can really do it all.”

There have been some great moments that Kaylie has enjoyed with her teammates, but she says that there is one that stands out as her favorite. 

“The highlight of my career came with my club teammates on Peak 16-EP,” she said. “We qualified for national at the Show Me National qualifier in Kansas City. It was really a really great experience and I was glad to share it with my team.”