Q: How did you wind up at Penn State?

MARTIN: When I entered the transfer portal [from Florida], it was one of the schools I had initially thought about going to coming out of high school, so it was kind of a no-brainer to talk to Coach Katie and see if our relationship and ideals and values lined up. It was super important for me also to meet everyone in person. When I met her on my official visit during the transfer process, I could see that she was a super-genuine person and I really wanted to play for her.

Q: How have you developed as a player since your freshman year?

MARTIN: I’ve learned a lot more about the game. I’ve learned that visual cues are a big reason for success for a lot of top athletes. But I’ve also gotten a lot stronger in the weight room and strengthened my body enough to keep up with the physical demands of the Big Ten.

Q: What have you learned from Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley ’02 Com, in terms of both technique and the mental side of the game?

MARTIN: I think I’ve just learned a lot about relentless pursuit here. It’s a standard of the program to go after every ball as hard as you can no matter what, and that staying focused through the entire rallies is hugely important in order to have success as a team.

Q: What does this team need to do to be the best version of itself and contend for another national championship?

MARTIN: I think this team has all of the pieces. We just need to find out what our groove is together. And I think we can make some very big strides as we get used to playing together and competing with one another and getting to know each other more on and off the court.

Q: How has your leadership style evolved?

MARTIN: I think my style is definitely leading by example, and I think that was kind of hard for me to accept when I was younger. When you think of leaders, you think they know what to say in the right moment all the time, and that was pretty intimidating to me. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that I make an impact on those around me by never asking them to do something that I wouldn’t do, and just to always lead by example and be the best teammate I can be for them and in doing so, they know that they can come to me with anything, and I can try to help them the best I can.

Q: What have you learned about competing at the highest level of sport from your dad (former NFL wide receiver Ruvell Martin)? 

MARTIN: He was definitely an athlete I looked up to my whole life. He taught me a lot about confidence and the true mental battle that many athletes face. There’s talent everywhere and hard work everywhere, but those who really get in the right head space before going out and competing in a big game with high stakes, those are the X factor pieces of their team, in all sports.

Q: What’s he like when he watches you play?

MARTIN: I feel like he takes on the dad role, for sure. Some of my friends with athlete parents will say, “I specifically didn’t choose basketball because my mom or dad played, and would boss me around or tell me what to do.” My dad’s never been that way. He’s always collaborative, and he’s learning so much about the sport himself too. He’s very inquisitive into what makes great volleyball. After the game, he gives me a high-five and a hug and we talk about what we saw and what went on in the game.

Q: What are some of your post-college plans?

MARTIN: I want to play volleyball for a long time. I want to see how far I can go professionally and push myself to reach my ceiling. I’m not really sure how high that is yet, but I’m excited to find out.

Q: What do you like to do when you have a free afternoon, say, four or five hours? 

MARTIN: Ooh, time on my own. Probably watching a movie, or doing a Bible study. If I have four or five hours on a Sunday morning, I’m going to church for sure. Just kinda chillin’, maybe being outside in the sun.

Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus?

MARTIN: I love going to the Nittany Lion Inn and chilling in there. It’s so cozy. I spend a lot of time in Rec Hall. I know that’s where we practice, but it’s so historic; I just love being in there with my teammates in the locker room. A lot of us get there hours before practice even starts and just joke and talk about our days.

Q: Speaking of practice, what’s your least favorite practice drill or activity?

MARTIN: Hmm. Honestly, the warmup. If I could just click a button and be warm immediately, I would.

Q: What’s the best part about being 6-foot-6?

MARTIN: You just always stand out. And then, as a tall girl, I get to be an example for taller girls growing up that maybe aren’t as secure in how tall they are. Stand up straight, shoulders back. I love when tall girls come up to me and say, “I hope I’m as tall as you one day,” and they’re already like six foot.

Q: I love that. Did you have anyone like that who you literally looked up to when you were younger?

MARTIN: When I was a freshman [at Nation Ford High School in South Carolina], there was a senior on my team, Sophie Fischer, who was 6-5. She’s playing professional volleyball right now. We won a state championship together [in 2019].

Q: What’s something about you that most people don’t know? 

MARTIN: I love reading. I don’t get to do it as much as I’d like because of how busy we are, but I love a good mystery book.

Q: What’s the last one you read or are reading now?

MARTIN: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.