La Center High School volleyball head coach Cymany O’Brien recently illustrated the impact senior Whitney Martell has on the program.
“I love Whitney’s spirit,” O’Brien said.
The accolades kept coming from coach O’Brien regarding Martell:
• “She keeps things lighthearted at times.”
• “When things are a little bit tense or stressful, she’s able to lighten the mood.”
• “She works super hard and she’s funny, I mean, the kid is super funny.”
• “She is so welcoming, she does a really good job making sure they’re (underclassmen) a part of everything.”
• “She’s a great leader.”
Martell is a fourth-year varsity outside hitter for the Wildcats, and she’s a crucial part of the success in landing La Center ranked at the top of the state for class 1A volleyball.
Watching Martell play is a showcase of athleticism, and she’s put in the work to get here and beyond.
“I’m pretty proud of myself. I’ve worked really hard to get here and especially, like, trying to get to college,” Martell said.
Martell is a standout leader on the court and in the locker room. She knows the importance of showing and teaching the underclassmen the La Center way.
“We are very vocal and we have very great energy,” Martell said. “We always have dance-offs before the game and sing in the locker room, and just to get everybody involved is really important for our team dynamic.”
Beyond Martell’s senior year and graduation with the class of 2027, she is committed to play volleyball at Western Oregon University while pursuing academics related to health administration.
Until then, Martell is leaving her mark on the floor and at the net, for her school and the community.
“We are a very small 1A school, but our school pride is really big out there,” Martell said. “We have great athletes and everybody in town is very involved in our athletics, and I think that’s just wonderful.”
Martell is a very proud La Center Wildcat athlete.
She’s proud to see such great community support and involvement.
“Us just making a statement as a community is showing what La Center has to offer,” she said.
