FAIRFAX, Va--- GoMason.com went off the court with rising senior Morghan Martin, an outside hitter from Rockledge, Fla. Martin is a three-year starter for the Patriots.

You were one of two Atlantic 10 student-athletes to participate in the NCAA Leadership Forum, for those who don't know what is the leadership forum?

I had the amazing opportunity to go to Orlando, FL to attend the NCAA Leadership Forum, which allowed me to interact with hundreds of student- athletes who held leadership roles on their prospective campuses. We were placed in smaller groups of about 30 students and administrators, and I had a chance to discuss the challenges we go through as leaders. Through this, we realized that we all had similar stories and were able to learn a diversified set of leadership skills and tactics that would be beneficial to use on and off the court. We also had a chance to partake in a great community service event that was going to help underprivileged children in the Orlando area.

What was the biggest takeaway for you as a student-athlete?

I have been blessed with the opportunity to grow not only as an athlete but as a person. Being a student-athlete here at Mason has helped me enhance some invaluable skills such as time management, teamwork and confidence in my abilities.

How did you get involved in SAAC and what have you gained from your time with the group?

I had seen the amazing job our team's SAAC members had done through community service and team leadership, so I asked to be chosen in the spring of 2014. Once selected, I immediately wanted to be involved in student-athlete development.  Through SAAC's Athletic Wellness and Substance Abuse (APPLE) Team, I have had the opportunity to network with a remarkable group of student-athletes and administrators. The Atlantic 10 SAAC Representative and our newly created group of Student Athlete Mentors (SAMs).

What are your plans for the off-season and summer?

During the off-season, I will be completing my BS in Biology as well as continuing to encourage student athletes to stay involved in the many programs that are provided for them through athletics. In the summer, I will be applying for the Victory Scholarship program that will allow me to attend graduate school in Ireland while being involved with the community by acting as a mentor to young people in the area.  I will also be finishing my prerequisites to attend pharmacy school on the future.

This is you senior season; there is a new coach and a lot of excitement surrounding the program; what are your most looking forward to heading into the 2015 season?

I am looking forward to helping the program build a new identity heading into the new season. As well as continue being a part of a group of amazing student-athletes and staff that I know will be great.

If you could give your freshman self some advice, what would it be?

I would advise incoming freshmen to cherish the lasting relationships that you have been blessed to create with my teammates and staff and never be afraid to ask for help from those around you.