Senior’s experience helps team improve

Friday, September 11, 2009

Senior setter Katie Martincich is the only current volleyball player that was on the last team to see NCAA postseason play five years ago.

Katie grew up in Shawnee, only a short trip to Lawrence. When the opportunity came up for her to come to Kansas to play volleyball, it was a no-brainer.

Photo by Adam Buhler

KU Senior Katie Martincich flips a ball over the net in a warm up before their game against FIU Friday night at the Jayhawk Invitational. Martincich has been demonstrated consistency throughout her career as a Jayhawk.

“I was pretty much born to be a Jayhawk,” Martincich said. “It was my dream come true to come here.”

She was redshirted her first year at Kansas. This allowed her to practice and travel with the team and she was able to see what goes into the tournament run.

“Over the years I have played a lot, played a little, so it kind of makes it easier to relate to every person on our team,” Katie said. “I can help people in all different stages of their careers right now.”

Katie was finally able to make a splash in the collegiate volleyball world her sophomore year. She started in all 29 games that year and also started in 102 sets. She led the team that year with 1,193 assists, 1,042 more than the next closest player.

The team has had only six games so far this season. With a 4-2 record, the team has come far in little time.

“You can see a lot of interaction between the bench and the court.” Martincich said. “We are playing as 15 girls together.”

Sophomore setter Nicole Tate praised her teammate.

“Katie is a leader of this team, on and off the court,” Tate said.

Not only does Martincich excel on the court, but also in the classroom. In 2007, ESPN the Magazine named her Academic All-District Third Team, an honor given to student athletes who excel in both sports and academics.

Martincich’s consistency around the court has allowed her to be a very versatile player.

Coach Ray Bechard said Katie’s leadership on the court can help this year’s team be successful.

“She has seen all different levels of Big 12, all different levels of non-conference opponents, and she’s got a lot of experience to draw from,” said Bechard. “She is always easy to interact with just by how she represents herself and Kansas.”

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