Marion senior softball players Kendall Eppes and Presley Kuhn have already enjoyed so much success and so much fun together on the field that they decided to keep it rolling.
Eppes and Kuhn last week signed to continue their softball and academic careers at Arkansas State University Mid-South in West Memphis.
“I can't say how proud I am of both of them, because they always put in the work,” said Marion head softball coach Drake Rowton. “They're good players who have become great players because they have been dedicated. They're great kids on top of that. I couldn't be happier for them.”
“I'm excited, I'm also nervous, but I think that God has led me here,” said Eppes. “I can't wait to keep playing ball and make new, Godly friendships.”
“It sort of feels insane,” said Kuhn. “I wasn't really sure if I'd play softball in college, but I'm excited that I get to. My family, my coaches, and everyone have been so helpful to me along the way. I can't wait for our season this year, and I can't wait to get started in college.”
Eppes will likely start a third season this year and will win her fourth letter, as the team's everyday starter at first base, and “that's a good thing for us,” said Rowton. “We are expecting big things out of her. She's been a really good player for a while now, but this will be her best year.”
The senior batted .291 in 2025 with a .347 on-base percentage with eight doubles, a home run, and 33 RBI.
Kuhn was a standout player her first two seasons while playing at West Memphis, but she blossomed after moving to Marion as a junior, settling in as the team's everyday shortstop.
This spring, she will likely move around more, but “she's more than capable of that,” said Rowton. Her being able to play a bunch of spots and hit leadoff for us gives us some flexibility to work in some other players and really help the whole team.”
Kuhn hit .311 as a junior with a .424 OBP, and she struck a double, two triples, and scored 23 runs.