JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University beach volleyball standout Katie Martinez has been named the ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the conference announced, becoming the program's first recipient of the honor since Sammie Strausbaugh in 2013.
Martinez excelled in the classroom while continuing to be one of Jacksonville's most consistent performers on the sand. A senior majoring in Education for Instruction, she maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while also pursuing minors in Communication Sciences & Disorders and Health Sciences.
On the court, Martinez totaled 19 wins during the 2026 campaign, the second-most in a single season in program history. She recorded victories against four nationally ranked opponents, including Stetson, North Florida, Boise State, and South Carolina, along with a key ASUN win over FGCU.
Her consistency propelled her to third all-time on Jacksonville's career wins list, as she became just the fourth Dolphin in program history to eclipse the 50-win mark.
Competing primarily in the No. 5 position, Martinez also made history alongside partner Maddie Fiedler. The duo earned ASUN Pair of the Week honors following a perfect 4-0 weekend at North Florida; marking the program's first weekly pair recognition since 2015.
Together, Martinez and Fiedler set the single-season record for most wins at the No. 5 position, while Martinez also established the program's career wins record at the flight this season.
The Scholar-Athlete of the Year honor recognizes Martinez's elite performance across both academics and competition, cementing her legacy as one of the most well-rounded Dolphins in program history.
For the full list of ASUN postseason honors, visit the conference's official release.
