The Plant Panthers have won the last three Class 5A state championships in Florida, but they won’t be back to defend their crown. The Panthers have moved up to the 6A level this year, but senior Maddie Martin is confident that her team can win it all for the fourth straight season.
"I expect us to be playing for our fourth state title – we are all-around very athletic and talented. We don’t have any weak links that other teams could pick on," she said.
Plant has advanced to the semifinals and will play Ferguson of Miami on Friday in a semifinal match at the Lakeland Center. Plant has been ranked in the Xcellent 25 all season long and is 27-1 on the year with the only loss coming against Catholic Academy of Joliet, the Illinois 3A state champion.
Martin, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter, has been a big factor in all of Plant’s state titles, as she has been a starter ever since her freshman season. She has been the team leader in kills and aces this year with 326 kills and 45 aces. She also has 193 digs on the season, showing her versatility on the court.
"What I am most known for is hitting a heavy ball and being aggressive when the game is on the line. In the past couple of years, I am proud that I have become a strong defensive player, which shocks people because of my size," she said.
Plant coach Leanna Taylor is also amazed by Martin’s all-around ability.
"She is a great teammate and she works hard for team success," said Taylor. "She is a leader and a natural athlete."
A multi-sport athlete in her youth, Martin was an all-star catcher in softball and was captain of her club soccer team. She was also named the athlete of the year in eighth grade at her middle school. Martin credits Taylor, along with former coach John Coup, with helping her develop her skills.
"I have had two coaches who have had a huge impact on me," said Martin. "John Coup really started teaching me skills and developing my game. He was always willing to stay before or after practice to help me work on specifics. My high school coach Leanna Taylor has made me passionate about the game and taught me leadership skills."
Martin is committed to play at Penn State next season. Martin will join her brothers and her father as college athletes. Brother Cameron plays football at Michigan State while Luke plays at Elon. However, her mother may be the biggest trailblazer in the family when it comes to sports.
"I have two brothers that are both playing college football. My dad played football at the University of Kentucky as a linebacker and was drafted by the Chicago Bears," Martin said. "My mother Gayle stopped playing sports in high school, but her claim to fame was that she was and still is the first and only woman to do play-by-play for an NFL game."
Martin’s mother, Gayle Sierens, is a broadcaster in the Tampa area and called a Seahawks-Chiefs game for NBC Sports in 1987. No woman has called play-by-play in an NFL game since.
"I’m so excited and I can’t wait to get there," Martin said of Penn State. "I am also very nervous about going to play for such an amazing team and amazing coaches. I almost feel like my volleyball life is starting all over again, which is very exciting."