Coupeville Sports

  Samantha Martin (center) and two of her sisters, Holly (left) and Olivia, catch a wave.

   Martin (22) and teammates listen as Wolf coach Amy King discusses strategy. (Robert Bishop photo)

Samantha Martin has a large, loving supporting cast.

There are the five sisters and two brothers from her two families, just to start. Then there are the friends, especially fellow basketball players Makana Stone, Rhiannon Ellsworth and Kacie Kiel, who have helped the Coupeville High School freshman navigate her first year in high school, and her first taste of hard court action.

“My mom, dad and step parents have influenced me greatly and helped me achieve my goals in any way they can possible,” Martin said. “I appreciate them greatly for carting me around with my busy schedule.”

Five of her siblings are younger than she is, which means Martin also spends a fair amount of time helping her parents with their care. The opportunity has provided her with a different outlook than many her age.

“Olivia, my 18-month old sister, really trains me to be patient and stay positive,” Martin said. “I love taking care of my five younger siblings and bonding with my eighth grade sister, Holly Mathusek, who I am very very close to.”

Martin had never played organized basketball before, but picked up the sport at the urging of Ellsworth and Kiel, her teammates during the volleyball season.

“I never thought I would love it so much,” Martin said. “I love how aggressive basketball can be; I love the physical endurance needed for the sport and, of course, I love my team!

“During volleyball Kacie and Rhiannon asked me if I was playing. My answer at first was no, but both girls said I should go out for it,” she added. “They said that freshman year was the time to get the awkward out, that it was the perfect time to go out for a new sport, so I did.”

On the court, Martin brings a ton of hustle to the Wolf JV hoops squad and has become a favorite of coaches, teammates and fans. She banked in a three-point bomb on her way to a five-point performance at home against South Whidbey, a moment Wolf coach Amy King hailed as one of the highlights of the season.

Martin, who plays on the wing and helps carry the load as a ball-handler and press-breaker, plays the game full-tilt. That’s both a strength, and, at times, a bit of a drawback.

“My strengths as a basketball player are my speed, defense and my overall drive,” Martin said. “I need to work on being calm and focused on the court. My train of thought tends to get blurred with the rush of adrenaline of being on the court.

“I also need to practice a little more on offense,” she added. “I want to get more points this season, as well as become a stronger ball handler and a leader. I also want us to continue winning.”

Someone who loves art, family and culture, Martin can also appreciate the less serious side of life, as well.

“My favorite movie is “21 Jump Street,” because, honestly, who doesn’t love a cheesy movie for a great laugh?” she asked. “I love ’80s music, because there is more depth in the music back then compared to music nowadays.”

When spring arrives, Martin will be outdoors, though she is still weighing whether she will pick up a tennis racket or whether she will follow Stone and turn out for track.

Regardless of which sport she chooses, she will have friends around her to help her and cheer for her, something she returns to them in equal measure.

“Makana is one of my very best friends and she has helped me always stay strong and positive and she always keeps me laughing,” Martin said. “The same goes for Rhiannon and Kacie.

“Rhiannon has been the most inspirational this year, though,” she added. “I love all of the other seniors on my team, but me and Rhiannon really bonded over volleyball and she has guided me through my freshman year so far.”