Perryville’s Elli Martin signs with St. Louis CC volleyball

Perryville's Elli Martin poses for a photo with her family and coaches after signing a letter of intent to play volleyball at St. Louis Community College.

Photo courtesy of Perryville Athletics

Perryville volleyball standout Elli Martin recently signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at St. Louis Community College for Archers' head coach Geoff Davis.

“When I reached out to Coach Davis at St. Louis CC, I instantly felt welcomed,” Martin said. “When I practiced at an open gym with their returning team, the atmosphere in the gym just felt incredible and the girls were communicating and motivating each other. I knew that is where I wanted to be.”

Martin, who was diagnosed with epilepsy this past season, found balancing symptoms and new medication prescribed to help with seizures, challenging.

“Playing volleyball and being diagnosed with epilepsy was my biggest challenge my senior season,” Martin said. “My teammates were great though, always checking in on me to see how I was doing and that truly made me a stronger person.”

Martin was a three-year starter for the Pirates and believes her strengths can help St. Louis CC immediately.

“My strengths are knowing how to play the game mentally,” Martin said. “I always have to have a play ahead of me before performing it. Knowing where the holes are and where to cover plays a huge part in the game and it keeps me on my toes. I do feel like I have to get back to practicing every day since I have been out since November, but my goal this summer is to get in as many touches and improve my strength and agility and be 101% ready for the fall season.”

Martin was sure to thank several people who helped her along the way.

“I want to thank my parents, Doug and Lisa Martin, as well as my sisters,” Martin said. “They know how passionate I am about playing the game and have pushed and motivated me to play college ball. They always had my back and encouraged me to follow my dreams and have helped make them a reality. I also want to thank my fellow teammates Taegan Gerler, Megan Buchheit and Maddie Robinson for supporting me throughout the seasons and making so many memories that I will never forget. Finally, I have to thank my very first coach, Greg Baer. He introduced me to the game of volleyball and I absolutely fell head over heels in love with the sport.”

Martin plans to seek a future career in psychology or neurology.

“I have always been fascinated with the study of the human brain and I feel like it would be so interesting to learn more about it,” Martin said.