Neva Martinez

• Humble
• Respectful
• Caring
• Loyal
• Responsible

Working in a team, I make sure to consider all my partners opinions, thoughts and ideas. I ensure my peers are equally involved and valued. Although I am highly competitive within myself, wanting to always present my personal best, I am also deeply supportive of those around me and try to uplift them so they can reach their maximum potential as well.

I can think of three instances which are to date, my most memorable highlights:

This past summer, I was the sole 14 yr old to secure a Roster spot on the U15 Vancouver Island (Zone 6) Team BC. Being the only female island athlete to play up an age bracket felt like a big feat and the thrill of making it through the selection process with older and very strong players was one of my proudest moments as my hard work and effort working towards this challenge had paid off. The training and experience from this solidified my passion to compete at a high level and pushed me to be the most competitive player I could be.

Last summer, coming off my first club season, I was one of only 48 female athletes selected across the province of BC to attend the West Coast Cup for U14, when I was only 13. I remember feeling a bit surprised that I was being given this opportunity and the responsibility not to squander it. Spending a week training with some of the best coaches in BC was a transformative experience that helped chart a course for me to move forward as a skilled and dedicated athlete.

And finally, and possibly the most gratifying moment I can think of, was recently receiving a personal invite by the founder of Natke Volleyball to attend an elite camp intended for U16 and up, in Calgary during the summer. Her recognition that I belonged amongst this caliber of athletes continues to affirm that my hard work, dedication and enthusiasm when playing doesn’t go unnoticed and to always strive to play my hardest. This proved to me that age is only a number and holding my own with some of Western Canada’s top youth talent was incredibly rewarding.

I play the piano, sing, draw, and spend time with family and friends. I enjoy these things because they make me feel happy, relaxed and they are fun activities to do behind the scenes of my sports life.

My two role models are Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes of Canada. These all-stars have inspired me to one day compete nationally and beyond. I enjoy watching them experience hard wins and losses while having fun on the sand. Brandie Wilkerson is a lefty, and this small similarity we both share makes me feel more unique and connected to her even as somebody I have never met. Brandie and Melissa’s fun personalities and incredible volleyball game, make them my inspiration.

I have chosen volleyball as my main athletic pursuit. I tried a number of sports in middle school, but nothing comes close to the feeling and love I have for the game of volleyball and how empowered it makes me feel. My extra curriculars are also volleyball centered as I volunteer to help younger athletes develop a passion for the sport and am looking to get into refereeing as a way to give back, grow my skill set and gain a deeper more technical understanding of the game.

Being that I am a freshman in high school, I hope to accomplish some notable achievements in the coming years. At the moment, my academic highlights are in the form of small wins, so when I do well on a test or project, or understand a particular topic in more depth, these outcomes reassure me that I have the potential to learn and be enthusiastic about new things.

I’m still undecided but have an initial interest biology.

Interesting topics, even more interesting people, and strong volleyball! I hope to be on the youth national teams so that may impact what post secondary looks and feels like for me. I envision making lifelong connections with my teammates and classmates and challenging myself both on an off the court.