Rancho Cotate High Student's Dream of Going to College Becomes Reality

Rancho Cotate High senior Katie Martin knew when she started high school that she wasn’t going to college unless she got a scholarship.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to go to college,” said Martin, who also works part-time at Safeway. “I said my freshmen year that the only way I’m going to college is if I get a scholarship.”

“I told myself I can do it, and I worked really hard, and I got it,” she said.

Martin recently won a full ride to play volleyball at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina. Her coaches and teammates call her a start athlete, and a hard worker.

“When we looked at Katie, we saw someone who could come in here and make an impact for us early on in her career,” said Tucker Short, the assistant women’s volleyball coach at Coastal Carolina. “She’s a big, strong and physical kind of player.”

“I was speechless when I found out,” Martin said.

Martin started playing volleyball in the seventh grade, but immediately started to show determination and a love for the game. While in high school, playing for the Cougars, Marin was also playing for two semi-professional teams — Sonoma West Volleyball Club and Absolute Volleyball Club.

Martin said this past season with the Cougars was the best high school season she’s ever played. The team was 31-1 this year.

“We played Maria Carrillo Santa Rosa, and we haven’t beaten them in 11 years. But we played them for the North Bay League championship and won,” Martin said.

“Getting this far, and accomplishing my goals, made me realize if I put my mind to something, I can do anything,” she said. “It made me so happy.”

Martin’s mom, Mary, said she was thrilled about the scholarship.

“I’m a single mother, and I don’t get help, so there’s no way I was going to be able to afford college for Katie,” Mary said.

“I am so impressed with her,” she added. “Part of me keeps thinking I’m dreaming.”

Martin’s plans to major in biology in college, and one of her biggest life goals, she said, is to travel.

“I really like going new places and exploring,” Martin said. “I want to get out of Rohnert Park and see the world.”