NEWS

CHUCK LIVINGSTON
Marion Patriots Activities Network | 12/9/2024
Marion Patriots Activities Network | 12/9/2024
Photo Credit: Chuck Livingston
MILLER SIGNS WITH ITAWAMBA
Marion volleyball coach Lisa Beasley considered the question for a moment when asked about her excellent senior setter, Maggie Miller.
Remember, the woman who launched the Marion volleyball program some years ago and has coached all of the top players at the school would know the answer.
“If we had a Hall of Fame, then she'd definitely be in it,” said Beasley. “If we retired numbers then we'd retire No. 11 (Miller's number). She's just been such a huge part of what we do here on the court, and just as much off the court. She's a great player, and she's probably a better person.”
Miller's career moved into the next stage last week when she signed to play college volleyball at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi.
“I am so happy and thankful to be able to keep playing volleyball,” said Miller. “I'm so happy and feel so loved that everyone came out today for my signing. I'm excited for the future.”
Miller twice earned all-state honors and three times all-conference honors over her four varsity seasons, finishing first in program history with 2,248 career assists, the only Patriot volleyballer to finish with 2,000 in any stat. The senior is also eighth in Marion history with 905 digs and 152 career aces, including a superlative single-season mark of 54 aces.
Miller's final career assists mark is good for sixth in state history, and her 47 assists in a single match is eighth all-time, while her 888 assists in 2023 is ranks No. 12 in state history for a single season.
“She's been one who always went above and beyond to better her game and be more productive on the court,” said Beasley. “I haven't had many who love volleyball more than Maggie Miller, and it shows on the floor.”
In fact, Miller had decided to sit out of travel volleyball this cycle to get a short break before heading off to college.
“That lasted about two weeks,” said Miller. “I just missed it and it's just such a part of my life that I just wanted to get back out there.”
Miller also earned Arkansas High School Coaches Association and Queens of the Hardwood All-Star honors, as well as the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American watch list, the AVCA phenom, and the AVCA Best and Brightest, while also being a Team Captain for “seems like an eternity,” said Beasley.
Marion's record with Miller on the court was 93-28 overall with three conference titles and another conference runner-up finish. The Patriots made the state tournament all four years, advancing to one semifinal and two state quarterfinals.
Itawamba Community College finished 2024 with a 19-11 overall record and a 7-3 conference mark, and the program has recorded winning records in four of the five seasons it has existed.
“I just loved everything about Itawamba,” said Miller. “I like the coaches, the players were all nice. Their gym, football stadium, and other stuff were nice. I was just all about it when I visited there.”
Chuck Livingston
Marion Patriots Activities Network | 12/9/2024
Marion Patriots Activities Network | 12/9/2024