Martrina Parks’ journey of perseverance and leadership
By Bud Denega
ADA — If given the opportunity, Martrina Parks wouldn't change a thing. Even though the path wasn't clear or devoid of bumps along the way, she wouldn't go back and course correct. Everything Parks has gone through has made her into the player and leader she is today.
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Parks isn't like many of teammates or opponents. She didn't gravitate toward the sport of basketball at a very young age.
Parks began her athletic endeavors in the competitive cheer world. It wasn't until middle school when Parks' father encouraged her to give basketball a try.
While post moves and ball-handling skills would come eventually, one thing was evidently clear from the beginning.
"I was always tall, and I could rebound a bunch and jump really high," Parks said. "Coach told me, 'We can work with this.'"
Parks improved her game to a point in high school when she had to make a difficult decision. She elected to drop track and field to give her more time to focus on basketball in an effort to bolster her prospects at playing collegiately.
Parks received near immediate returns on her decision. Her AAU team flourished, and that attracted coaches including the ones at Ohio Northern.
"We watched her a few times, and what we really liked about her, at the time, was her defensive ability," ONU head coach Michele Durand said. "Also, I think the most important thing, as we got to know her, is that she's a quality, great person, which is what we want in our program."
Parks finished out her high school career and committed to Durand and the Polar Bears. Parks came to Ada and embraced the transition both on and off the floor.
"It was definitely a big jump," Parks said. "I definitely learned a lot about myself. When you leave high school, you have certain expectations for yourself. … I definitely had to learn to keep a good attitude through adversity."
The first form of adversity occurred sophomore year. After playing on the junior-varsity squad as a freshman, Parks was asked to play another season on JV.
That wasn't easy. Freshman and second-year players were being elevated to varsity, while Parks fought to remain positive, hardworking and patient.
"I appreciate my sophomore year," Parks said. "I was playing JV, and I was down on myself at times. That year was definitely tough, but if I came into practice with a bad attitude, it wouldn't have helped any one."
The lessons learned sophomore year would soon pay off. Parks competed on varsity as a junior, playing in 18 games, and while the stats weren't eye-opening, a leader was blossoming for ONU.
Parks entered her senior season with higher exceptions for herself and her team. She wanted to play a larger role, and she received that and more.
Prior to the start of the 2019-20 season, Parks was named a captain, and it's a role she doesn't take lightly.
"I was definitely excited, but it's a big role," Parks said. "I definitely take it serious."
Parks will pull teammates aside from time to time, speak to them one-on-one and help them traverse any adversity that comes up. Parks speaks from a position of authority, but also as someone who has tackled a fair share of adversity herself.
"I think being named captain was a huge honor for her and a testament to her leadership," Durand said. "If you ask any one of our players who are leaders are, Matrina's name would come up."
Parks also plays a much larger role on the floor as a senior. She's a starter, and a big reason the Polar Bears boast a 10-4 record and reside in the top half of the Ohio Athletic Conference.
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Parks' journey is unlike many. She's a tale of perseverance and leadership, and Durand has enjoyed watching her grow throughout her four years.
"I think Matrina is the epitome of our program," Durand said. "Not a lot of people can make it through playing JV for two years, not playing a lot her junior year and still stick with it. It shows her character and her work ethic. She's a wonderful example of what a student-athlete should be.
"I'm really proud of her. Not only is she great on the court, but she has been a super good leader for us, and she's an outstanding student."
Parks hasn't play basketball her entire life. While she had the ability and athleticism necessary to compete at a high level, she had to work hard to refine her skills and build new ones.
And that made it difficult at times. In some instances, it was hard for Parks to find joy in basketball.
But looking back on it now, she wouldn't change a thing.
"I'm definitely appreciative of what I've gone through," Parks said. "I wouldn't change my process because I definitely learned a lot about myself. I think I've grown a lot as an individual from it. It just makes you appreciate all the things that you've done to get to where you are."