Greenville, SC – The NCCAA is pleased to recognize Sydney Martin of Mid-America Christian University as the 2024 Susan R. Hellings Award Recipient for Division I Women’s Volleyball.

Sydney Martin has been a follower of Christ for much of her life, but it was not until she was 16 that she made the decision for herself to claim Jesus as her Savior. Committing to Christ amid a desire to pursue playing collegiate volleyball led her to Mid-America Christian University where Martin has embarked on a stellar career. As a junior, Martin already ranks fourth in Evangel history for career service aces with 137. Martin, a defensive specialist, is also in the top 10 in program history for career digs with just under 1,000. 
 
Off the court, Martin has followed the call she has felt God has given her to study ministry with a concentration in youth ministry. She holds a GPA of 3.82 and has earned 2023 NCCAA and NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors. Martin is already working as a youth intern at a church in Oklahoma and uses her heart for ministry to serve on the resident assistant team at Mid-America Christian. Martin also is part of an organization called Student Ministerial Fellowship on campus, which is a group that gathers to fellowship and build Christ-like community among the student body. 
 
“Sydney is an exemplary leader on and off the court,” said Head Coach Holly McKamie. “She has been our team chaplain for two seasons now. She leads by example with an extraordinary love for her teammates. She has devoted her life to being in full-time ministry. She has the gift of empathy and compassion like no one else I have ever coached. She loves our God and seeks daily to honor Him and puts Him first in every endeavor.”
 
Other Finalists
Mica Chadwell, College of the Ozarks
Madison Blickenstaff, Ohio Christian
Makayla Daniels, Regent University
Macy McCauley, Malone University
Abigail Vaughn, Oakland City University 
 
Award Description
Susan R. Hellings played volleyball in the mid 1970’s at Houghton College. She was a starting hitter for her championship team. Susan exemplified Christian leadership on the court, not allowing anything to stand in the way of team unity. She was an excellent student as demonstrated by being her high school valedictorian and graduating Summa Cum Laude from college with a B.A. in mathematics. Susan was the type of student-athlete who exemplified all the characteristics that this award is intended to honor.
 

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