Bonita High school volleyball standout Sahara Martinez has committed to University of Texas-El Paso.
The three-year varsity starter made that decision today. She visited the school in June and also took trips to Hartford (Conn.), UC Irvine as well as Concordia-Irvine.
She was also talking to a handful of other schools including Youngstown State and Eastern Washington.
“It has everything I was looking for,” she said. “It’s the right size and it’s Division I. It’s a full scholarship so it’s also room and board. It’s a pretty campus and a great neighborhood and I loved the coaches.”
Martinez said even though she is sure of the decision, it was a tough one. The distance from home wasn’t necessarily a factor.
“My mom always told me it’s a good chance to experience something different and I have always taken that to heart,” she said. “It’s only four years. I’m a California girl at heart so I’ll be back.”
Martinez is a three-time All-Palomares League selection. Last year she helped the Bearcats to a 24-10 record that included a 7-3 in league play that was good enough for second place behind Glendora.
Martinez registered 413 assists, 131 digs, and 27 service aces.
She plans to major in psychology.