Votaw, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter from Marengo, Ohio, was a four-year starter and two-time All-Ohio selection at Gilead Christian School, where she helped the team compile an 85-15 record during her career. As a senior, she pounded a school-record 576 kills, which ranked seventh all-time in state history, to go with a school-record 300 digs as she led her team to a 26-1 record, the Central District title, and a No. 8 ranking in the state. For her efforts, she was named the Central District Player of the Year and a First Team All-Ohioan. She also participated in both the Central District and State All-Star Matches. For her high school career, Votaw finished with a school-record 870 digs and a 1,563 kills, which ranks fourth all-time in state history.

"We are excited that Kendra is joining the Lady Cougar volleyball program,” said MVNU coach Paul Swanson, who is the NAIA’s all-time wins leader (922) and has a 907-308 record in 26 years with the Lady Cougars. "She represents outstanding quality no matter how you look at it. She is a committed Christian young woman, an excellent student, has a great personality, and is a very skilled and successful volleyball player.”

"Kendra is a very experienced and talented volleyball player,” Swanson continued. "She has had a very strong preparation for college volleyball between her high school and club experiences. We look for her to help us at all the hitting positions, but especially at outside hitter. We have known about her since her freshman year and we are glad that both of our paths crossed and that she is going to be a Lady Cougar. We look forward to her contributing to our team in a multi-dimensional way.”

In addition to playing volleyball at Gilead Christian where she was coached by her father and MVNU alum, Brian, Votaw has posted a 4.2 grade point average and is a member of National Honor Society. She has also played on the VolleyMasters, Kaepa Buckeye, and Matchpoint club volleyball teams.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Votaw of her college choice. "First and foremost are the Christian values and principles of the school. I wanted to go to a school that supports the beliefs I have and also provides me with an environment to grow spiritually, academically, and athletically.”

"It is really a dream come true to play for MVNU with the tradition and history of the volleyball program,” Votaw continued. "Academically, it was also important for me to attend MVNU as they have a great program for my major which will help me to hopefully be a Physical Education teacher and volleyball coach some day. It is almost like it has come full circle for me as my dad went to MVNU and took a P.E. class in volleyball taught by Coach Swanson and it got my dad excited about the sport of volleyball and then he began coaching it. He has passed that excitement on to me. So, indirectly, Coach Swanson has had a big influence on my dad and his coaching career and subsequently me and my playing career.”

MVNU posted a 37-10 overall record in 2009, won the National Christian College Athletic Association East Region title, and finished as the NCCAA National Tournament runner-up for the second time in program history. The Lady Cougars have won 30 or more matches in 17 straight seasons.