10/09/2026
🎓CAMPUS CHECK-IN!
Welcome to the first installment of our new Campus Check-In series!
We’re kicking things off with NLVC alum Jeremiah Martinez! Jeremiah graduated from Legacy High School in 2024 and is now a junior libero/DS at Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Florida. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in accounting and plans to graduate a semester early during his senior year.
Read along as we catch up with Jeremiah and hear about his volleyball journey…
NL: What’s one thing you learned at Next Level that has stuck with you the most, both on and off the court?
J: On the court, I learned how to become a sufficient leader. Off the court, I learned that I don’t always have to be so serious. It’s okay to laugh!
NL: What was the biggest adjustment going from club volleyball to playing at the collegiate level?
J: The biggest adjustment for me was the ball speed and doing something volleyball related every day, whether it’s lifting, conditioning, or practicing. Your body can get tired if it’s not used to it, but you do eventually adjust.
NL: Can you walk us through your recruiting journey and how NLVC helped you along the way?
J: I didn’t decide to pursue playing in college until the end of my junior year of high school. Our Recruiting Coordinator, Jen Platten, helped me with any questions I had about colleges or universities. She was always willing to help me with film or contacting coaches, which was very helpful. I was eventually contacted by Edward Waters University, and the whole process went smoothly. I ended up committing to EWU before the start of my senior year of high school.
NL: What advice would you give to current Next Level athletes who hope to play volleyball in college someday?
J: Don’t be complacent. Continue to hold yourself to a higher standard, but don’t let that standard affect your mental clarity. SMILE, it’s why we have teeth. In intense matches or matches when your team isn’t winning, coaches are looking for who can be a light on the court, alongside the skill.
NL: What’s one thing you love about playing volleyball in college or just college life in general that’s different from what you expected?
J: One thing I love about playing in college is the amount of travel my team does. I feel like most athletes love playing in their home gym, but I truly enjoy getting to travel and play in other gyms and states I’ve never been to before.
✨Stay tuned for our next Campus Check-In!
