WOODSBORO – Whether she is attacking at the net, working to sharpen a skill or competing away from the volleyball court, Woodsboro's Esabella Martinez has little interest in settling for less than her best.
“Esabella is a natural athlete with a lot of tools,” Lady Eagles coach Amy Hall said of her senior outside hitter/middle blocker. “She has developed so much as a player because she demands a lot out of herself.”
That internal pressure does not cause Martinez to shy away from unfamiliar situations. Instead, Hall said, it pushes her to expand her game.
“She’s not afraid to try new things and get out of her comfort zone if it means winning,” Hall said.
Ready to compete
That willingness to grow has helped Martinez become a leading offensive option for Woodsboro.
Martinez recorded 18 kills during the championship bracket of the Melody Payne Memorial Tournament on Aug. 15, including 13 in a three-set match against Agua Dulce. She added five kills against Ingleside.
Earlier in the tournament, Martinez led Woodsboro with 12 kills in a victory over Alice.
Martinez has been a key reason the Lady Eagles have compiled a 5-2 record heading into Tuesday's match at Ben Bolt.
“I’m really excited for this season,” Martinez said. “We’ve been working hard, and I think we have a great group of girls who are ready to compete.”
For Martinez, volleyball’s appeal goes beyond wins and statistics. She enjoys the demands the sport places on her and the continual opportunity to improve.
“I enjoy the competitiveness of volleyball the most,” she said. “I love pushing myself, improving my skills and challenging myself to be better.”
Experience builds chemistry
Woodsboro will lean on Martinez and other experienced players to turn around last season's 2-8 district record.
“Our senior returners will be a big key to our success because we’ve been playing together for a long time,” she said. “We already have that chemistry and understanding on the court.”
Martinez’s drive does not disappear when she leaves the gym.
“Something people don’t know about me is that I’m very competitive, even outside of volleyball,” she said. “I always want to do my best and push myself to be better.”