The Olds College Broncos women’s volleyball team has added an infusion of experience ahead of the 2019-20 season.
Delacour native Tabitha Martin, who can play both middle and on the outside, has transferred to the Broncos from Mount Royal University beginning in the fall.
The five-foot-11 Martin, who will study business management, was drawn by Olds College’s small-town feel and welcoming environment.
“I never had any doubt that Olds would be right for me,” she said. “Even attending Mount Royal I always felt that I would somehow end up at Olds.”
It’s a return, of sorts, for Martin, who attended Olds College as part of a dual credit initiative in the veterinary technical assistant (VTA) program as she completed her studies at Bishop Grandin High School.
“It’s really exciting because I have already been able to experience the environment of Olds, and I can feel comfortable around the campus,” she said. “I had such an amazing experience with my VTA program, so I look forward to enjoying my time here.”
On the court, Broncos head coach Rhonda Schmuland believes Martin’s versatility will be valuable to the team’s continued development.
“We are really excited to have Tabi join our team for the upcoming 2019-2020 season,” she said. “Her experience at the USports level will be an asset, as will her ability to play in multiple positions. She is going to help build depth in our roster and move us towards achieving our goals as a team.”
Martin brings plenty of experience to the table. On top of her two seasons at Mount Royal, she was also part of the Team Alberta provincial program at the under-16 and under-18 levels, finishing second at the 2016 NTCC (now Canada Cup), as well as being part of the Youth Junior National Team Training Program.
Citing her energy as her greatest strength on the court, Martin understands the need to contribute to a team’s overall success.
“Having a positive energy is such an asset because every team needs to have someone who will never give up and always bring a light mood to the court,” she said. “I try my best to always give whatever I can to the team and do whatever it takes to contribute and motivate my teammates.”
Martin believes the Broncos are ready to take a big step forward this season.
“People can expect the Broncos to not only be a new team on the court but also a new team off the court,” she said. “We have already bonded so much, and we all can’t wait for the season to start.”
The Broncos will open their 2019-20 campaign in Calgary against the SAIT Trojans on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., then return to the Ralph Klein Centre for their home opener on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m., also against SAIT.
