Lola Martin '23 Recruiting Profile

When an athlete steps onto the court, their goal is winning. When a leader steps onto the court, the focus is how can I help my teammates reach their athletic goals? This year, I learned that there was far more to being a leader and a winner than beating the competition. Whereas we all love winning, as do I, I felt that my role was to aid others in reaching these accomplishments. We started my junior year from scratch because six of our starting seniors graduated. It was an opportunity for me to step up and become the Captain of the Varsity program. The opportunity to positively influence my teammates is the highlight of my high school career thus far. Whereas we, collectively, wanted to be a winning team, we knew that we had to learn to work together to accomplish this desire. 

My team learned a lot, including how to play well with each other. We were able to thrive as a team. Despite my wins, I feel I have grown as a player and teammate. Our team started from scratch; someone needed to take the initiative and fill the leader position, and that was me. I have committed to working harder and being a better player on the court. However, my dedication extends to the classroom to ensure I am prepared for college. Whereas my heart will always be on the court, I know that there is far more to the next stage in life than sports. My commitment to being a better leader and teammate will continue onto my competition stage. The demands of college life, academically and athletically, will far surpass high school expectations, and I am ready for the new challenge. 

Playing for Empire Volley Club, out of Sonoma State University under the club director Bear Grassl has been an excellent opportunity. He not only directs, but he is also a fantastic coach for 18u and the Sonoma State University Women's volleyball team. The diversity of the coaches I have been blessed to learn under is pivotal in my personal growth. Over the past years, I have learned commitment, communication, and how to gain from my losses. I can't wait to return to a regular club season and work on my fundamentals to increase my level of play. Moving forward, I am looking to find a program that fits my academic and athletic aspirations. I know I not only have the skill to compete in a collegiate environment, but the work ethic, personality, and leadership skills I bring will have a substantial impact on your program. I am eagerly looking forward to an opportunity to thrive and grow in a new environment. 

My accolades show my dedication and commitment to the sport, far more than any argument I can make. I was named AAU Academic All American 2021 and the team captain. I started varsity for three years and was awarded All-Tournament Team – Paganini Tournament by all coaches in attendance. I was a Vine Valley Varsity 1st Team All-League member. I am a three varsity sport athlete: basketball, track, and volleyball. My coach defined me as being poised under stress, self-disciplined, focused, highly motivated, dedicated to continuous improvement, growth mindset. Academically focused, self-confident, optimistic, and always striving for excellence in athletics and academics. It is an honor to have these characteristics define me, and I am excited to see the leadership opportunities I will face in the future. As I finish this year, my commitment is to my current responsibilities, but I know that I will take what I have learned and continue to grow as a person, leader, and athlete.