Any good sport psychologist will tell you there is a certain "happy medium" when it comes to mental preparation in athletics. Certainly an athlete does not want to get too "pumped," but on the same token, a certain degree of excitement must exist. Erin Martin has found that standard.

Martin has taken great strides in encouraging her teammates, while clearly being a motivational leader on the court.

"I try to lead by example on the court," said Martin. "I always try to keep a smile on my face and try to get my teammates pumped up. I get more excited when other people do well, than when I do well. I love it when our team succeeds. When we're facing adversity, I just try doing or saying something that will make my team laugh and lighten up a little."

However, Martin is quick to point out it wasn't always so easy. Last season she admits she often allowed her emotions get her too energized.

"That was a problem for me last year. Coach Hebert talked to me about that coming into this season about how I was over-revved. Sometimes I would go in too early on an approach and then I would put my head down. Now, I just laugh the mistakes off and move on. You're always going to make mistakes but there's no point in dwelling on them and looking down at your shoelaces every time you mess up. I thought too much last year-I over analyzed everything. Now I just go out there and do what I can to help the team."

"This year, Erin has pretty much cured her problem," said Hebert. "She has improved her skill base and become one of the best players, not only on our team, but in the conference."

In 2002, No. 7 Minnesota is having one of its best seasons to date. With a record of 24-3 overall and an 11-1 mark in the Big Ten, the Golden Gophers are eyeing a bright postseason. Martin has certainly been a major component of this success. She is third in the Big Ten in service aces with 0.46 sapg, ranks second on the squad in kills with 3.35 per game, and boasts an impressive .275 hitting percentage. Already this year Martin has produced a career high and team-high for the season of 25 kills against Iowa on October 16.

A native of Ames, Iowa, Martin excelled as a three-sport athlete in high school. Obviously she has been required to become accustomed to juggling a tight schedule, a knack which she credits her mother for instilling in her.

"My mom really taught me to manage my time. In high school I was playing three sports- volleyball, basketball and track. She really helped me realize the importance of balancing my schoolwork and sports. My first year here was tough because there was so much going on and sometimes by the end of the day I didn't feel like studying. This year, it's been a lot better. I go to study table even when I don't have to and spend extra time on the hard classes. It's tough. Sometimes you don't feel like doing it, but I try to keep things in perspective because school comes first. I still manage to spend time with my friends."

Anyone who has watched the Golden Gophers this season has noticed the incredibly camraderie among the team. Whether it's a teammate lifting someone off the floor with a smile, or voicing encouragement from the bench, Minnesota has shown great team chemistry this season.

Martin attributes this attitude of firm unity to time spent together off the court. She also ascribes recognition to a committed faith in God.

"There aren't many teams that are as close as we are. We have a team bible study and it's been so good to just share and talk together. It's so key that we can feel comfortable together in those tough times. Faith is so huge to my life and it's been something that's guided me through school and every part of my life. (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) has been huge for me too. I look forward to FCA meetings every week and it's so great to have my teammates there with me. We have bonded so much through our faith and I really believe that's played a big part of our success this season.

As the second half of the season passes, the Golden Gophers are awaiting a successful postseason. However, one can be certain they will not lose focus of the present tasks at hand. With eight regular season games remaining, Minnesota must approach each game with the same concentration as before. In addition, you can guarantee Martin will continue to lead by example and provide vital encouragement to her teammates.

"In the Big Ten, you have to come into every game prepared. Any team could beat anyone on any night. We go into every game expecting a fight, but we certainly don't expect to lose. The coaching staff really helps us prepare and keep our heads in the right place. There is no way to control how the other team is going to play. We just have to go out every game and play Minnesota volleyball."

Written by Athletics Media Relations Graduate Assistant Tim Ellis
Any good sport psychologist will tell you there is a certain "happy medium" when it comes to mental preparation in athletics. Certainly an athlete does not want to get too "pumped," but on the same token, a certain degree of excitement must exist. Erin Martin has found that standard.

Martin has taken great strides in encouraging her teammates, while clearly being a motivational leader on the court.

"I try to lead by example on the court," said Martin. "I always try to keep a smile on my face and try to get my teammates pumped up. I get more excited when other people do well, than when I do well. I love it when our team succeeds. When we're facing adversity, I just try doing or saying something that will make my team laugh and lighten up a little."

However, Martin is quick to point out it wasn't always so easy. Last season she admits she often allowed her emotions get her too energized.

"That was a problem for me last year. Coach Hebert talked to me about that coming into this season about how I was over-revved. Sometimes I would go in too early on an approach and then I would put my head down. Now, I just laugh the mistakes off and move on. You're always going to make mistakes but there's no point in dwelling on them and looking down at your shoelaces every time you mess up. I thought too much last year-I over analyzed everything. Now I just go out there and do what I can to help the team."

"This year, Erin has pretty much cured her problem," said Hebert. "She has improved her skill base and become one of the best players, not only on our team, but in the conference."

In 2002, No. 7 Minnesota is having one of its best seasons to date. With a record of 24-3 overall and an 11-1 mark in the Big Ten, the Golden Gophers are eyeing a bright postseason. Martin has certainly been a major component of this success. She is third in the Big Ten in service aces with 0.46 sapg, ranks second on the squad in kills with 3.35 per game, and boasts an impressive .275 hitting percentage. Already this year Martin has produced a career high and team-high for the season of 25 kills against Iowa on October 16.

A native of Ames, Iowa, Martin excelled as a three-sport athlete in high school. Obviously she has been required to become accustomed to juggling a tight schedule, a knack which she credits her mother for instilling in her.

"My mom really taught me to manage my time. In high school I was playing three sports- volleyball, basketball and track. She really helped me realize the importance of balancing my schoolwork and sports. My first year here was tough because there was so much going on and sometimes by the end of the day I didn't feel like studying. This year, it's been a lot better. I go to study table even when I don't have to and spend extra time on the hard classes. It's tough. Sometimes you don't feel like doing it, but I try to keep things in perspective because school comes first. I still manage to spend time with my friends."

Anyone who has watched the Golden Gophers this season has noticed the incredibly camraderie among the team. Whether it's a teammate lifting someone off the floor with a smile, or voicing encouragement from the bench, Minnesota has shown great team chemistry this season.

Martin attributes this attitude of firm unity to time spent together off the court. She also ascribes recognition to a committed faith in God.

"There aren't many teams that are as close as we are. We have a team bible study and it's been so good to just share and talk together. It's so key that we can feel comfortable together in those tough times. Faith is so huge to my life and it's been something that's guided me through school and every part of my life. (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) has been huge for me too. I look forward to FCA meetings every week and it's so great to have my teammates there with me. We have bonded so much through our faith and I really believe that's played a big part of our success this season.

As the second half of the season passes, the Golden Gophers are awaiting a successful postseason. However, one can be certain they will not lose focus of the present tasks at hand. With eight regular season games remaining, Minnesota must approach each game with the same concentration as before. In addition, you can guarantee Martin will continue to lead by example and provide vital encouragement to her teammates.

"In the Big Ten, you have to come into every game prepared. Any team could beat anyone on any night. We go into every game expecting a fight, but we certainly don't expect to lose. The coaching staff really helps us prepare and keep our heads in the right place. There is no way to control how the other team is going to play. We just have to go out every game and play Minnesota volleyball."

Written by Athletics Media Relations Graduate Assistant Tim Ellis