The volleyball community is in mourning following the death of Kendall Cook. Cook was a member of the Livingstone College volleyball program. Her passing has deeply affected communities in North Carolina, Kentucky, and the wider volleyball world.
Remembering Kendall Cook
Kendall Cook was a 2025 graduate of Frankfort High School in Kentucky. She started her college career at Clark Atlanta University before transferring to Livingstone College. During her freshman season, she was listed as an outside hitter and middle blocker.
Frankfort Independent Schools confirmed Cook’s death this week. Sheri Satterly, the Superintendent, described her as “a beautiful, talented soul.” Satterly added that Cook was “a joy to know and be around” both in the classroom and on the court.
Grief in the HBCU Volleyball Community
The impact of Cook’s death extends far beyond Frankfort. Her move to Livingstone College made her part of the HBCU athletics family. Now, that family is mourning the loss of a young student-athlete who touched the lives of teammates, classmates, coaches and friends.
Frankfort Independent Schools have made grief counselors and mental health resources available to students and members of Cook’s graduating class. The district has also expressed its condolences to her family, friends, and classmates.
Tributes and Remembrances
Cook’s athletic pursuits included both volleyball and softball. Tributes shared online have highlighted her competitiveness, kindness, and energy. One tribute described her as someone who “left an impact on everyone around” her.
For Livingstone College, this loss serves as a painful reminder that student-athletes are more than just names on a roster. They are daughters, friends, classmates and teammates.
The HBCU community sends its condolences to Cook’s family, her teammates, Livingstone College, Clark Atlanta University and the Frankfort community.