Logan spikers land setter in Martin

BY JOHN D. HOMAN

Logan Media Services

CARTERVILLE – Probably the most important player on the floor in volleyball is the setter as it is the setter who is responsible for getting the ball to the right player in the right spot on offense.

The John A. Logan College squad added a setter to its roster this week with the announced signing of Megan Martin of Mount Vernon, Ind.

Mount Vernon (Indiana) High School senior Megan Martin recently signed a letter of intent to play volleyball next fall for John A. Logan College. Seated with Martin are her parents, John and Julie. Standing are her high school coach, Andi Allford, and Vols head coach Bill Burnside. (Photo provided)

Martin was twice selected to the Big Eight All-Conference team and twice voted her team’s Most Valuable Player at Mount Vernon. She was also instrumental in leading her high school team to a 27-6 record this past fall, including a sectional championship.

Martin has played club volleyball for six years and was captain of the River City club in the eighth and ninth grades. She also competed with the Audubon club team beginning her sophomore year.

“I really liked the atompshere on the campus when I visited the school,” Martin said. “There was a homey feeling. Carterville’s far enough away that I can feel like I am on my own, yet close enough that I can drive home any weekend I want.”

A four-year letterman, Martin said she recorded as many as 57 assists in one match and also served 22 consecutive points.

“Playing college volleyball is exciting to me,” she said. “I draw a lot of inspiration and advice from my mother (Julie), who played volleyball at the University of Southern Indiana. I am very much looking forward to playing at Logan next fall.”

Vols head coach Bill Burnside said he expects Martin to contend for playing time immediately.

“I think she will be an important player for us. She is a quality setter who will be able to compete for a starting position the moment she walks in the door. Her ability to run a quick offense is really what made her stand out to me as a recruit.”

Burnside said he likes his teams to play at a quick tempo.

“That puts pressure on the defense to make quick decisions,” he said. “It is sometimes difficult to train setters to play at the tempo we are looking for. But with Megan, that will not be an issue.”

Martin plans to major in business and would like to someday work as a health administration professional.