Subscribe to the NCSA BlogCatching Up with NCSA Student Athlete Alex Martin
November 21st, 2008 - byNCSA caught up with rising volleyball star Alex Martin to talk about her high school and club seasons, and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: How did your high school team do this year?
Martin: This year was a pretty good year. We stood our ground with teams that should have beaten us and we beat teams that we out-hustled. Although this year was a rebuilding year I would say that we played pretty good. We learned a lot about ourselves and hopefully all the good energy will transfer over to next year.
NCSA: Were you recognized by your team or anyone else for your performance this year?
Martin: Surprisingly, yes. I was in the paper every game I played. Which really was shocking because I only got to play 3 matches due to TSSAA rules (I switched High Schools). It felt great knowing that I was chosen out of all these talented girls I played with and against.
NCSA: How do you handle club tryouts? Are you nervous? If so, how do you get over your nerves?
Martin: Club tryouts for me are so fun! I have always felt pretty confident, because I know that if I get out there and leave110% on the floor and out hustle everyone and just play the game I know how to play that I will be fine. But I mean everyone has the jitters the first few drills and I just remember something my coach for club used to always tell us, “Heart is the difference between believing and achieving.” Then I just take a deep breathe, remember my fundamentals, and leave everything out on the court.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to most during this club season?
Martin: Where to start… This year is a very different year for me because I’m playing up an age group with Choo Choo 17-1’s. I love a challenge and having to push myself to the limit, simply because I want to improve. It’s going to definitely be a challenge this year, but it’s a challenge I’m ready to overcome.
NCSA: What type of recruiting contacts do you have so far?
Martin: Several contacts from SEC schools and also SoCon. I have reached out to many more schools and received questionnaires back from maybe half of them.
NCSA: What are your recruiting plans over the next 6 months?
Martin: I plan to continue contacting the schools I would like to attend, and continue to update my scouting report with stats, grades, strength and performance training achievements, all that.
NCSA: What is best advice you have heard about recruiting so far?
Martin: Start early and stay organized. Stay on top of the things that colleges send you and keep sending them things to make you stand out to them, so that when they can contact you they will have knowledge about your prior achievements.
