In her first year ever at Sam Houston State University, Britni Martin has helped to make an impact on the basketball court. Not even here for more than a year, Martin began making her name known to the colleges she played by showing a ferocity unmatched.
Mostly playing as a shooting guard for the team, Martin became a force to be reckoned with as she worked her way through a record-making season for the basketball team. After suffering a 1-28 record last season, the Bearkats bounced back to eventually place fourth in NCAA Division I women’s basketball for most-imrpoved record.
During her years at Conroe High School, Martin was a standout player. She made All-Greater Houston and All-District, as well as averaging 17.1 points per game, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists as a senior.
“The Texas Tech head coach was at a game and she told my coach that if I hadn’t already been signed [with Sam Houston], then she would have offered me a full ride that night,” said Martin.
Stephen F. Austin State University and Rice University were also bidding for her, however, her ultimate choice was to become a Bearkat.
“My brother went here and I liked the campus, the team, and the coaches. I gelled the most with them than the other schools. It’s not that far away so family gets to come to the games,” said Martin.
However, Martin would later learn how to overcome adversity when during one game near the end of the season, she became injured. “I hyperextended my knee and got a bone bruise. At first when I hit the ground, I didn’t know what it was. I heard a pop so I was scared at first. My brother always told me pain was mental so I knew I was [going to] finish out the season no matter what, so I did basically. I’m rehabbing it to where it’s healthy for next year.”
When the basketball season ended, it was clearly seen Martin had made an impact. In 27 total game played, she averaged 10.2 points per game, shot .333 from the three-point line, made 48 of 67 free throws, and averaged 4 rebounds per game.
Other than her excellence on the court, Martin is pursuing something many college athletes would not even try: playing two sports.
“Technically, I was a walk-on in soccer but I started almost every game,” Martin said.
Martin is quick to note that the life of a double sport athlete is not short of its hardships.
“It’s very rigorous being a double sport athlete. This year when it was soccer season, we might have 6:30 [a.m.] weights, then I would go to class. From class, I’d go to basketball then go eat, go to the training room, and then go to soccer practice. I’d have dinner, study hall, and then sleep.”
Despite the challenges facing her, Martin notes that she intends on continuing to be a double sport athlete. “How it will play out we’ll see.”
By having success in her first year at SHSU alone, it is undeniable that there are bright things to lay ahead in Martin’s future.
“I thank God, my family, and my teammates. I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.