Marian Kursh Named First Athletic Director and Assistant Principal for Little Rock West High School

Marian Kursh has been named the first athletic director and assistant principal for Little Rock West High School. The new institution is scheduled to open in fall 2027.

Kursh returns to Little Rock after serving as an assistant principal in the Frisco (Texas) Independent School District and as an assistant principal in the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District between 2023 and 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences with an emphasis on exercise from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Administrative Vision and Goals

Working alongside Principal Steven Helmick, Kursh is helping build the school’s framework from the ground up. Helmick described Kursh as a “high-character person” and “super collaborative,” noting that the administrative team is seeking innovative ideas as they start from scratch.

Little rock west high school of innovation little rock ar schoolphoto

Kursh said she is using a creative mindset to help open the school, similar to how coach Joe Foley encouraged players to “use your imagination” during his motion offense. She described Helmick as a “forward thinker” who is “full of energy.” Helmick stated that Kursh has lived excellence as a student-athlete, allowing her to help solve challenges coaches or players may face. He added that she intends to establish “strong community feeder patterns” with the neighboring Pinnacle Middle School and other areas.

Kursh also hopes graduates feel they “can come back any time.”

Developing students holistically to prepare them to contribute to society beyond wins and losses.

Athletic Background

Kursh was a standout post player for the UA Little Rock Trojans women’s basketball team, contributing to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Her collegiate achievements include being part of the program’s first NCAA Tournament team—which defeated Georgia Tech in the first round—and winning back-to-back Sun Belt Tournament championships in 2011 and 2012.

In 2012, she earned Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors, was named to the Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament Team, and was the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week in February of that year.

A native of Fort Smith, Kursh played for coach Rickey Smith at Fort Smith Northside High School. Smith, who won over 800 games, was mentored by Foley. Kursh decided to become a Trojan after high school because she built a relationship with Foley, “always loved” visiting Little Rock, and was impressed by the athletic facilities at UA Little Rock, making the choice a “no brainer,” she said.