By Matt Browning

As a freshman, Marlo Sullivan of Andale was a novice and inexperienced prospective high school kicker. Fast forward to the 2022 season and Sullivan has established herself as one of the best kickers in the area.

“It’s a continuous improvement process, though over the last three years I feel that my confidence in my kicking, accuracy, and leg strength has improved resulting in second team Division IV all-league honors,” Sullivan said. “The improvement process includes working with my snapper and holder, being in a steady weight lifting program, attending summer camps, and working with my coaches and other trainers.”

The Indians’ historic season was Sullivan’s benefit as Andale racked up touchdown after touchdown in every game, where she kicked the extra points.

She also made history in 2021.

“In the 2021 3A state championship game, KSHSAA confirmed I was the first girl to score in a state championship football game connecting on three PATs,” Sullivan said.

At one point, Sullivan admitted it was hard going to practice as the only girl, but now it feels comfortable.

“There’s times it can be difficult with travel and finding locker rooms for me but that’s about it,” Sullivan said. “The community, coaches and my team have been a big part in the way I have felt moving season to season.”

Sullivan’s success rate in 2022 was 23/29 and that is a number she is focused on improving for next season.

“This season my average making rate was around 85 percent making 23 of  29 PATs during the season, but my senior year I want it to be 100 percent.”