Game Point With Mara Martin
11/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
At 6-2, Mara Martinis the tallest setter in U-M volleyball history and is the first freshman to start a season-opener in program history. Martin has also joined some lofty company in her first season setting the Michigan offense. Martin is one of only three U-M setters to tally 80 or more assists in a single match, recording 81 against Georgia in a 3-2 win early in the season. She also became just the 10th Wolverine in program history to crack the 1,000 assist mark in her career, climbing to eighth on the all-time list with four matches still remaining in the regular-season.
Mara took time out of her schedule to answer questions about her redshirt freshman season, what the University of Michigan means to her and how being the tallest setter in program history helps her quarterback the team.
On the challenges of balancing athletics and academics ...
Balancing academics and athletics was difficult at first but after using the resources that the University offered, it made it easier to balance the two. Tutors gave me extra help and study tables gave me the extra time that I needed to get my schoolwork done.
On whatmakes the U-M coaching staff successful...
The coaching staff is so successful because each coach brings something different to practice. Having different styles allows them to be able to reach out to each player depending on what she needs. The different styles balance each other out to make a great combination of a coaching staff.
On what the University of Michigan means to her...
The University of Michigan means a sense of pride and tradition that the entire school has. No matter where you are, theres always that feeling that Michigan is the best school around because of how proud and committed the students and athletes are.
Onher off-season improvements...
The summer consisted of me setting a ton of balls. I had a lot of things that I needed to work on but going into the off-season, I knew I would not be able to take time off from setting if I wanted that starting setting position.
On some of the highlights of her freshman season ...
The highlights of the season were being able to watch my teammates. Theyre some of the best volleyball players and I learned so much from them last season.
Onredshirting her freshman season...
It was toughthroughout the entire year but my teammates and coaches reassured me that it would all be worth it in the end and it made me a better player in the end."
Onthe benefits of her redshirt season...
I gotthat extra year of training and being able to watch an amazing veteran setter, Lisa Gamalski, allowed me to catch up to the speed of the game and better understand the setting position.
Onthe best thing about a big assist...
The best thing about getting a great assist is the feeling that I get because I know that I set a good ball and that the hitter was able to put it down.
On how height is an advantage as a setter ...
Being a tall setter allows me to be a bigger threat because I can be more effective with blocking and attacking.
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Contact:Richard Retyi(734) 763-4423
