Athletes Of The Week: Haley Martin

A senior leader on both the cross country and girls’ soccer team, Haley Martin has established herself as a premier student-athlete at Charles B. Aycock High School.

Martin thrives not only as a player but also as a tremendous teammate and leader. Martin said she feels incredibly lucky to have played high school sports with such amazing coaches and teammates.

For her dedication, Martin is this week’s Female Athlete of the Week.

Martin’s soccer journey began in childhood when she first dabbled in the sport. She quickly fell in love with the sport, and she worked hard to sharpen her craft.

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was five years old, but I’ve only been running cross-country since last year,” Martin said. “Soccer is definitely my favorite, but cross-country really helps out with soccer.

“Soccer is my passion, but I love cross-country too.”

Martin, who wants to attend Barton College and major in nursing, was eager to prove she could play at the high school level, and when Martin got to high school, she carved out a role to help the Golden Falcons thrive.

She made the varsity team as a freshman and as high school progressed, Martin started to devote even more time to the sport.

“I’ve always wanted to play soccer in high school,” Martin said. “It’s been fun. High school sports are more competitive than other sports I’ve played before, but it’s been a lot of fun.”

In addition to her soccer prowess, Martin is also one of the most reliable and savvy runners on the cross country team.

Martin, who can run a 5K in under 24 minutes, started running cross country during her sophomore year to improve her stamina and endurance on the soccer pitch.

“They needed a few more girls to make a team last year,” Martin said about joining the cross-country team. “I wanted to come back this year because I love the team. It’s all positive and very supportive of each other.”

Playing sports has helped Martin grow, but regardless of which sport she is playing, Martin is known for inspiring teammates and making friends wherever she goes.

She is thrilled to attend college next fall, but first, she is itching to get back on the field for one final season with the Golden Falcons.

Missing her junior season was tough, but Martin and the other seniors believe they are poised for a big season ahead, and there is no doubt Martin will be one of the significant contributors.

“This school year has been very different,” Martin said. “I’d like to get a new record time for my 5K in cross-country. In soccer, being able to have a complete season is the biggest thing for me.”