MACU Volleyball Star Sydney Martin Earns National Award, Leading Eight Athletes Honored Watchlist
POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. – Junior defensive specialist Sydney Martin from MACU Volleyball has achieved a momentous accomplishment, receiving the prestigious Susan R. Hellings Award for the first time in program history. This remarkable recognition comes alongside eight fellow Evangels who earned NCCAA Scholar-Athlete accolades, showcasing the team’s excellence both on and off the court.
A Legacy of Character and Excellence
The Susan R. Hellings Award, part of the NCCAA’s Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award series, is presented to a student-athlete who embodies the Biblical values of Love, Integrity, Faith, and Excellence.
This prestigious honor underscores Martin’s consistent commitment to these values, not only in her athletic pursuits but also in her academic and personal life.
Dominant On the Court, Stellar in the Classroom
Hailing from Krum, Texas, Martin has become an indispensable part of MACU’s back row defense over the past three seasons.
With a year of eligibility remaining, Martin already occupies the fourth-best position in MACU’s NAIA Era record book for career service aces, boasting an impressive 143 aces to her name.
Needing just eight more aces to climb to second place and 14 behind teammate Casady McKinney, who sits at the top of the NAIA Era leaderboard. Martin is poised to make history as she heads into the NCCAA National Championships, just 19 digs away from becoming the fifth Evangel in the NAIA Era to reach 1000 career digs.
Beyond her exceptional on-court performance, Martin has consistently excelled academically and in campus ministry. A two-time NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete, her commitment to academics is evident in her 3.82 cumulative grade-point average while pursuing a degree in Ministry.
Recognized campus-wide for her dedication and faith, Martin actively serves the Student Ministerial Fellowship, a group dedicated to building a Christ-centered campus community. She also serves as a Resident Assistant, further demonstrating her commitment to serving others.
Setting the Example, Leading the Team
Martin thrives within the talented MACU team, led by Head Coach Holly McKamie, another Harry
who has cultivated a program known for its strong commitment to Academics McClellan has guided the team to an impressive record, with the evacuees consistently posting one of the highest GPAs in the NCCAA, with more than half the team receiving academic accolades each season.
To earn NCCAA Scholar-Athlete recognition, an athlete must be an active team member, at least a junior academically , have completed at least one semester at the nominating institution, and maintain a minimum 3.40 cumulative GPA.
Honoring MACU’s Academic Achievers
In addition to Martin, the following individuals have been recognized for their commitment to academic excellence:
- Annabeth Fehrle
- Kaylee Harrison
- Sarah Jones-Stafford
- Casady McKinny
- Miriam Nardi
- Lena Stockhammer
- Lauryn Walters
</li
How has Sydney Martin’s faith influenced her success both on and off the court?
## MACU’s Sydney Martin: A Court Superstar Embodying Values
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show! Today we have a very special guest, Sydney Martin, a junior defensive specialist for the MACU Volleyball team. Sydney, congratulations on receiving the prestigious Susan R. Hellings Award!
**Sydney Martin:** Thank you so much! It’s truly an honor.
**Interviewer:** This award highlights not only athletic prowess but also embodies Biblical values like love, integrity, faith, and excellence. Can you share what this means to you?
**Sydney Martin:** It means so much to me. Being recognized for these values, which are so important to me both on and off the court, is truly humbling. I try to live my life with these principles guiding me every day.
**Interviewer:** You’ve made your mark on the court with over 143 career service aces, placing you fourth in MACU’s NAIA Era record books. What drives your success as a defensive specialist?
**Sydney Martin:** Honestly, it’s the love for the game and my teammates. We work so hard together and push each other to be our best. Every point matters, and I want to contribute in any way I can to help our team succeed.
**Interviewer:** And speaking of teamwork, eight of your fellow Evangels earned NCCAA Scholar-Athlete recognition alongside you. What does this accomplishment say about the MACU volleyball program?
**Sydney Martin:** It shows that we are truly a team on and off the court. We support each other academically, athletically, and personally. It’s amazing to be part of such a dedicated and talented group of individuals.
**Interviewer:** Well said, Sydney! Thank you for sharing your story with us today and congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition.
**Sydney Martin:** Thank you so much. Go Evangels!
[[1](https://thenccaa.org/sports/2023/7/5/DIWV_Awards_2023.aspx)]
