Freshman Chloe Martinez looks to make her mark at ACHS on the girls sophomore volleyball team. Volleyball is a team sport that requires all members to work together for overall success. The mark of a great volleyball player is their flexibility, unselfishness, dedication, hard work and willingness to contribute in any way necessary.

“I would describe myself as a hard worker because nothing in volleyball has ever come naturally to me and it took a lot of effort and reps to get to where I am,” Martinez said. “As a player, my team always comes first and that means if they need me to play a position I’m not exactly comfortable with, I will put all my effort in to best help my team.”

In any given game, players are called upon to do a variety of different tasks regardless of skill in that particular situation. Volleyball is a game of six individuals on the court working together as a team. Martinez is willing to do anything necessary to help the team achieve success, this includes both offense and defense.

“I feel my defense and passing is becoming one of my strengths,” Martinez said. “One of my weaknesses, and an area that I work on every day to improve, is my hitting consistency.”

Being a freshman on the sophomore team can be both exciting and overwhelming. The pressure to perform at a higher level is something that Martinez seems to embrace. All members of the team are called upon to lead at various times. It is Martinez’s goal to not only be a great volleyball player, but also a great leader. Even though Martinez is the youngest member on the team, she is still expected to lead.

“Well, I think the only thing I would worry about in leading a group of older girls is the fact that they might see me as someone younger and maybe wouldn’t give me the same amount of respect for someone who is their age,” Martinez said. “I think you earn respect on the court and if teammates see you contributing on the court they will value your opinion and take your advice.”

Being a student athlete can be challenging with schoolwork and sports, especially when there are away games. This requires upfront planning, sacrifice and a strong work ethic. Martinez has demonstrated all three characteristics. Balancing athletics and academics can be challenging at times, but playing the sport they love is well worth the sacrifice.

“Balancing my schoolwork and volleyball is not always easy,” Martinez said. “I really have to make the most of my time and I try to be good about doing schoolwork first before I allow myself to get caught up in my social life.”

Playing sophomore volleyball as a freshman is no easy task, but Martinez is up to the challenge. Through Martinez’s hard work and will to win she has become a key piece for the girls volleyball program.