In the Zone with Mara Martin
9/26/2006 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Junior/sophomore setter Mara Martin was the first freshman setter in Michigan volleyball history to start a season opener when she led the team into the 2005 season against Notre Dame last year. Martin had the unenviable task of replacing outgoing setter Lisa Gamalski who graduated second on U-M's all-time assists list. Martin also had to compete against eventual NCAA Tournament teams Notre Dame, Nebraska and Long Beach State in her first three matches. Nebraska was ranked No. 1 in the country in the second match of Martin's career and No. 25 Long Beach State faced her in her third collegiate match. Through it all Martin fought hard and gained valuable experience along the way. She became the 10th player in U-M volleyball history to reach 1,000 assists and ranks ninth on the all-time assists list after just one season. She also recorded 81 assists against Georgia on Sept. 16, which ranks as the fourth-most single-match assists in program history. Martin took time out of her day to answer questions about her Michigan memories, her trip to Argentina in the summer and her funniest road trip memory.
How did you balance athletics and academics in your first year of college
"I used study table to get my work done and tried to utilize the resources that Michigan has to offer. I also realized that managing your time is really key to having success in academics in college."
What does the University of Michigan mean to you
"The University of Michigan means tradition. There is so much tradition on campus that you can only love this school. So much support from other sports teams, alumni and students that makes our college so unique. It is an amazing school to be a part of!"
Who has influenced you most in your life
"My parents have been so supportive of me throughout my entire life. They have always pushed me to be the best in whatever I do and I thank them for making the person that I am today."
What did you work on most in the off-season to prepare for the upcoming season
"I spent a lot of the off-season working on the entire game -- running the offense, controlling out-of-system plays and competing at high level. I think that to be a great setter you have to have the entire package and that it what I tried to focus on."
What is the best thing about getting a really set
"I love putting up a great set and watching the hitters get a kill. Since I can't finish the point on the majority of balls, to get the perfect set for your teammate and watch them get that point is so rewarding for me."
What are some of the favorite classes youve taken at U-M
"I just changed my major to psychology because I enjoy the psychology classes here. My favorites are definitely psychology."
Who is your favorite non-volleyball athlete at U-M and why
"I have a lot friends here, so I do not think it would be fair to limit my answer to just one, but our team is definitely close to the baseball team here as well as many other sports teams."
How did you get into volleyball
"I started playing volleyball in ninth grade because I love sports and loved to compete. After that year I fell in love with the sport and wanted to compete at a higher level. After my sophomore year in high school I started playing club and that is how I ended up playing at Michigan."
What do you like most about Ann Arbor
"I love football Saturdays! It is so awesome to see how much support our football team gets. I love how it also carries over to other sports here at Michigan because the people of Ann Arbor really care about us."
What is the gameday experience like when you play at home
"We have the best student section of any school by far. he Zone is amazing and it is so exciting playing when you have a group like that behind you."
What are some of the challenges of road trips
"Dealing with the intense crowds and developing a rhythm in a new environment is definitely challenging on road trips."
What is your best road trip story
"We have had some really fun road trips, but I thought the funniest thing was when we left our media relations director, Rich Retyi at the gym after the Purdue match. Eventually we realized we forgot him and went back to get him. (Ed. Note - Rich Retyi works long into the night to bring Michigan volleyball fans the sights and sounds of matches with his cutting-edge stories and groundbreaking weekly releases. He also does internet radio broadcasts on road trips and you'd be surprised how much stuff there is to pack up. Since the Purdue incident, he has never been left behind. A few close calls, but never left behind.)
What is the most rewarding thing about playing volleyball for Michigan
"Being a part of a team with 15 girls that all have the same goal in mind is so rewarding. There is not one person on our team that does not want to win. Everyone works hard day in and day out to accomplish this goal."
How will your trip to Argentina this summer help you as a volleyball player
"Playing in Argentina was such an awesome experience. I got to play with some of the best girls in the country -- from Pepperdine, the University of Florida, Louisiana State University, and many others -- which helped me learn how to play a new system without ever meeting or playing with these girls. I learned how to adapt to new situations and compete at a high level every match."
What was the toughest thing about starting as a freshman setter last year
"As a freshman and new to the court, it was hard adjusting to the speed of the game. As the year went on I think I progressed, but starting in the Big Ten is not easy and is a hard to comfortable with. It took me some time to grow as a player."
How has the teams hot start changed your life Are you recognized more on campus
"People definitely have took notice of Michigan volleyball. It is great to go to class and hear students commenting on how well we are doing and how excited they are to go to our game."
THIS OR THAT -- THE QUICK 10
Steak or Sushi: Chicken
Cereal or Bagel: Cereal
Sandler or Chappelle: Sandler
Early Riser of Late to Bed: Both
Daffy Duck or Bugs Bunny: Bugs Bunny
Big House or Yost: Big House
Water or Soda: Soda (but diet)
Bus or Plane: Plane
Beach or Poolside: Poolside
Physics or Chemistry: Physics
Contact: Richard Retyi (734) 763-4423
