"As someone who once walked the same path as the young athletes we help today, I know how life-changing the right opportunity can be. My journey began in Yuma, Arizona, where I secured my own athletic scholarship and moved from Slovakia to the United States. From there, I played NCAA Division I volleyball at Georgia Southern University, earning honors like Southern Conference Player of the Year and eventually being inducted into the Georgia Southern University Hall of Fame. Those experiences shaped my life, both as an athlete and a student, and now I’m passionate about helping others achieve the same. SportStudyUSA is my way of giving back—helping talented athletes find the perfect school, earn scholarships, and thrive both on the field and in their studies. My intention is to also guide those who think that education in the USA is an unreachable goal, helping them see that they can define their own journey and forge new opportunities."
Martina is not only a decorated athlete but a passionate and driven leader. She has transformed her personal experience into a mission to change lives through SportStudyUSA, creating life-changing opportunities for young Slovak athletes to pursue their dreams in both academics and sports. Her friendship with Kerry Messersmith, her former coach who is now part of SportStudyUSA, illustrates how relationships forged in sports can change lives. Martina’s unique understanding of the challenges and triumphs of earning a scholarship in the U.S. makes her a true champion in helping students reach their full potential. Whether on the volleyball court or in her work with SportStudyUSA, Martina’s dedication to empowering the next generation of athletes is at the heart of everything she does.