By Derrick Smith

Athletes put in a lot of work in order to be successful. And though she does a lot of practice with her team, Owasso’s Rylee Martin says that you have to be willing to do more if you want to be your best.

“I have put in a lot of hard work,” she said. “Not just in practice, but also outside of practice. I take lessons and work out with a trainer so that I can be the best that I can be.”

Martin is a senior at Owasso High School. She is a member of the Lady Rams’ volleyball team, playing setter and occasionally right-side hitter. Rylee has played volleyball for about six years and says that a recent season would have to be her favorite.

“My 17s club season has been the highlight of my career,” she said. “We had a lot of big tournament wins and we earned bids to both USAV Nationals and AAU Nationals. It was a great season.”

Throughout her life, Martin says that there have been a good number of people that have influenced her life, but she says that there are a few that have made the biggest impact.

“My brother, Trevor, would have to be the biggest role model for me,” Rylee said. “He plays baseball at Arkansas Tech University and is a very smart guy. I have also had many coaches that have been big influences in my life. I am so thankful for all of them.”

In the classroom, Martin says that there is a teacher that made a big difference in her life as well.

“My favorite teacher would have to be Mr. McMath,” she said. “He was my geometry teacher and he would always dedicate at least one day a week to teach us a life skill that we would be able to use long after we graduate. He made learning a lot of fun.”

Outside of playing sports, Rylee is also involved with the Senior Board, Student Council, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She already has her plans made for her life after high school.

“I have committed to continue my athletic and academic career at Oklahoma Baptist University.”