Like in every sport, the women’s volleyball transfer market is a messy affair. At the end of every playing season, student-athletes from all over the country look forward to the next year as they find new squads to play along with. While 2023 hasn’t been a great year for the Florida Gators, seeing them leave the NCAA Division I tournament in the second round, they’re hoping to turn things around with new attacking talent.
Isabel Martin, the outside hitter from UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) has been announced to enter the transfer portal. But unlike most other players who enter the portal looking for a home, Martin has already opted for the Gators as her next career step.
UNLV star joins Gators to bolster NCAA hopes
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In the latest post on X, the official College VolleyBall Transfers account has shared the news of Isabel on her way to Florida once again. However, the move isn’t all that shocking, given the fact that before moving to UNLV, Martin studied for two years at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. The Bavarian native will be going back to her familiar territories for next season and the Gators might be looking at a sharper attacking display as they take on their opponents in 2024.
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿
✏️: Isabel Martin
🏐: Outside Hitter
🎓: Grad Student
⬅️: UNLV
➡️: Florida#CollegeVBTransfers | #NCAAWVB pic.twitter.com/X7YrwkIniw— College VBall Transfers (@CVBTransfers) December 27, 2023
Isabel, a redshirt senior, will come to Florida as Mountain West Player of the Year for the second time. Gators’ head coach Mary Wise said that they are thrilled to have Martin join their foray and believes that her “experience will be such a great addition” to the Florida volleyball program.
After the news was announced on social media, volleyball pundit Lincoln Arneal made his sentiments clear about the transfer, saying, “Nice pickup for the Gators.” With one year of eligibility left in her collegiate career, the Gators can expect to handle their responsibilities with more attacking prowess in their sleeves.
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Gators add more depth to the roster
Along with the All-American honoree Martin, the Florida Gators program is also set to welcome four new high schoolers for the 2024-25 season. Jaela Auguste (Grand Oaks), Lauren Harden (Hamilton Southeastern), Taylor Parks (Calvary Christian), and Alec Rothe (Dublin Scioto) will be the four new Gators members who will lend their skills and expertise to help Florida achieve its desired goals.
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“We are thrilled with the highly-talented players and proven winners this class brings us. No doubt they will leave their mark on Gator VB just as each one of them did with their own high school program“, said head coach Wise.
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