Butler Volleyball and head coach Kyle Shondell have added Marin Thaxton from Chicago, Ill., to the roster. The 5-9 outside hitter and defensive specialist will join the Bulldogs beginning with the upcoming fall season.
 
"Marin is an incredible fit for our family here at Butler," said Head Coach Kyle Shondell. "Her tenacity and ball control are a welcome addition to our backcourt." 
 
Thaxton is the fifth incoming freshman on Butler's 2026 roster.
 
More information on Thaxton can be found below.
 
Marin Thaxton
5'9" I Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist I Chicago, Ill. 
 
Marin Thaxton is a 5-9 outside hitter and defensive specialist from Chicago, Ill. She served as team captain during the 2025-26 school year and was named All Girls Catholic Athletic Conference MVP in her sophomore season. 
 
High School: Played four seasons at Saint Ignatius College Prep where she was a four-year varsity player and three-time varsity letter winner. She recorded 50 aces in one season (fourth-best in school history), 18+ passes in one game (second in school history), and helped Saint Ignatius to a super-sectional title (first time in school history). 
 
Personal: Her parents are Maggie and Shad Thaxton, and she has an older brother Aidan who is a member of the Butler Baseball team. 
 
Why Thaxton Chose Butler: "I chose Butler because of the kindness I saw in each and every player on the Butler volleyball team and coaching staff. I highly value the importance of having a supportive and loving community when involved in team sports. When I visited Butler, I saw that in action. I am extremely excited to be a part of a community of hardworking, encouraging, and uplifting women and men in the Butler Volleyball community."