01 Aug 2012 Martin looks to extend family's sports legacy

by Mark Oliver

Basketball runs in Trevor Martin’s family.

His mother, Michelle, won a state championship at Vilonia High School and coached him in second grade as a member of the Vilonia Grizzlies. His brother, Taylor, also played basketball for the Eagles. His grandfather once played in a state tournament and his uncle currently holds the school record for most three-pointers made in a single game.

Recently, Trevor signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Lyon College in Batesville and dreams of taking his family’s legacy to new heights.

“I want to play professional basketball one day,” Martin said. “I know that it’s a very slim chance, but I was told that I’d never make it to where I am today, either. I’m not one to decline a challenge.”

Martin, Vilonia’s team captain last season, averaged 22.5 points per game, 6 rebounds and shot 86 percent from the free throw line. He has also earned many honors for Vilonia, including All-Conference honors in 2011 and All-Conference and All-State honors this year. He was named the No. 1 player in Central Arkansas by Central AR Hoops Magazine.

Despite his success, however, the road has never been easy for Martin, who has endured hardships both on and off the court during his basketball career.

“By the time I was a senior in high school, every single guy that played on my team from the 9th grade had already quit or had been released from the team,” Martin said. “It was a very difficult challenge to go through my senior year being the only leader on the team. There was a lot of pressure. Every time something went wrong, my teammates’ eyes were on me.”

When Trevor was 12 years old, his father passed away and his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The following year, his brother, Taylor, moved out to attend college and at 13 years old, Trevor suddenly became the man of the house.

“I believe it is from trials such as these that I developed my leadership skills and the ability to overcome any obstacle,” Martin said. “These difficult times also brought me to the most important thing in my life: my relationship with Jesus Christ. I firmly believe that leaning not on one’s self, but on God, is the best way to overcome hardships and issues.”

Outside of basketball, Martin also competed in track and field, golf and baseball for Vilonia and is a member of the youth group at Enola Church of Christ.

“I’m extremely grateful for the education and opportunities I was provided from Vilonia High School,” Martin said. “I believe Vilonia deserves a lot of credit for my athletic achievements and the man I am today.”

At Lyon College, Martin plans to pursue a major in chemistry, with dreams of becoming a pharmacist one day.

“Lyon is a very prestigious university for academics,” Martin said. “It is a school that will give me the opportunity to be very successful later on down the road.”

“Never give up,” Martin advises younger athletes. “There were many times throughout my high school career where I felt ready to give up on basketball and use the many hours to do something else. I advise all athletes with hopes of playing after high school to never take ‘no’ for an answer and keep working. Be the best that you can be.”