MACU Volleyball Player Makes History with Prestigious NCCAA Award
MACU Volleyball Player Sydney Martin has etched her name in program history by being named the recipient of the prestigious Susan R. Hellings Award from the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). This remarkable achievement marks the first time a MACU volleyball player has received this high honor.
Presented as part of the NCCAA’s Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award series, the Hellings Award recognizes a student-athlete who best embodies the Biblical values of Love, Integrity, Faith, and Excellence both on and off the court.
A Standout in the Back Row
Hailing from Krum, Texas, junior defensive specialist Martin has been a cornerstone of MACU’s back row defense throughout her collegiate career. Entering her senior season, Martin has already secured the fourth-best spot in MACU’s NAIA Era record book for career service aces. Needing just eight more aces to move into second place, she sits 14 aces behind teammate Casady McKinney who tops the list.
Martin has an exceptional opportunity to achieve a significant career milestone at this year’s NCCAA National Championships. Currently holding 981 digs, she is only 19 digs away from becoming the fifth Evangel in the NAIA Era to reach the impressive mark of 1000 career digs.
Beyond the Court: A Leader on Campus
Martin exemplifies leadership not only on the volleyball court but also in the classroom and in campus ministry. As a two-time recipient of both NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete recognition, Martin maintains a remarkable 3.82 cumulative GPA, majoring in Ministry.
Highly respected across the MACU campus, Martin actively contributes to the Student Ministerial Fellowship, a group dedicated to fostering a Christ-centered campus community. She also serves as a Resident Assistant, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting and guiding her peers. Martin’s dedication to her faith and academics is indicative of the values embodied by the Hellings Award.
Under the guidance of fifth-year head coach Holly McKamie, Martin stands out among a remarkable group of student-athletes known
for their combined achievements on and off the court, consistently achieving one of the highest team GPAs in the NCCAA. More than half the team regularly earns academic accolades, demonstrating the strong commitment to academic excellence epitomized by Martin.
Scholar-Athlete Tradition Continues
To earn NCCAA Scholar-Athlete status, athletes must be active members of their team program, juniors in academic standing, have completed at least one semester at their institution, while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.40.
Joining Martin on the Missouri Baptist University’s eight-member list of NCCAA Scholar-Athletes are: Annabeth Fehrle, Kaylee Harrison, Sarah Jones- Stafford, Casady McKinney, Miriam Nardi, Lena Stockhammer, and Lauryn Walters. Each of these standout student-athletes exemplify the dedication to both academics and athletic achievement.
What career milestones is Sydney Martin close to achieving?
## Interview with MACU Volleyball Coach on Sydney Martin’s Historic Win
**Interviewer:** Coach, congratulations on Sydney Martin winning the prestigious Susan R. Hellings Award. What does this win mean for Sydney and the MACU volleyball program?
**Coach:** Thank you! We are incredibly proud of Sydney. This award is a testament to her dedication, not only as a volleyball player but also as a person of strong character. She truly embodies the values the Hellings Award represents – love, integrity, faith, and excellence. This is the first time a MACU volleyball player has received this honor, making it a historic moment for our program. [[1](https://www.instagram.com/p/DDI7J_aO4bl/)]
**Interviewer:** Sydney is known for her defensive prowess. Can you talk about her impact on the team?
**Coach:** Sydney is a phenomenal defensive specialist. She is a crucial part of our back row, consistently digging out tough hits and keeping us in rallies. She’s also a leader on the court, always encouraging her teammates and bringing a positive attitude.
**Interviewer:** She is also closing in on some impressive career milestones.
**Coach:** Yes, she’s just 19 digs away from reaching 1000 career digs, which would be a fantastic achievement. She’s also in a great position to move up the ranks in career aces. I’m excited to see what she can accomplish in her senior season.
**Interviewer:** Sydney’s success both on and off the court is an inspiration to her teammates and the entire MACU community.
**Coach:** Absolutely. She’s a role model for all our athletes, showing them that you can achieve great things both in your sport and in life by living with integrity and dedication. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.