Genevieve Martin is right back to where she started – and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“As soon as the LEE job opened up, I didn’t think twice about it. I applied immediately. My parents still live in the neighborhood. This is my community. This is where I want to be.”
She grew up attending Dellview Elementary School, Jackson Middle School and played volleyball at LEE High School, where she graduated in 2006. Today, she’s the proud Head Volleyball Coach at her alma mater. Martin knows first-hand how valuable the life lessons learned on and off the court can be. It’s something she’s always thinking about while she’s building a relationship with her players.
“We learn about a lot more than volleyball on the court,” said Martin. “You’re not going to be on this team for the rest of your life, but you’re going to be on a team at work and you’ll need to be a team player. Be disciplined, show up on time, be a good teammate. That is what’s important.”
Martin wants her girls to build something they’re proud of. Sometimes that starts with new traditions. This summer, Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School held its first alumni volleyball tournament. Fifty graduates came back to play with current and former players. For Martin, it’s a chance to strengthen a community she’s proud to call home.
“People don’t know anything about LEE until you get here. It’s so diverse and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I’m lucky to have the people I grew up with still here with me. The families are what make it so special.”
Martin believes she’s simply following the example that was set for her at a young age. There’s one Dellview teacher she still remembers to this day.
“I had a fifth-grade teacher at Dellview, Mrs. Sosa, who taught a lot of my family,” said Martin. “She created those relationships that we talk about now. She was tough but I knew where her heart was and that’s what I try to do with my girls today. I try to build those relationships with them off the court but when it’s game time it’s time to get down to business.”
