Volleyball players' friendship is marked by success

Before her team gathered in the locker room during the 2008 state volleyball tournament, Plant High's Maddie Martin peeked through a curtain to watch the match being played on the court.

Her longtime friend, Berkeley Prep middle hitter Lindsay Young, was in action.

"I remember cheering for her," Martin said.

Over the years, Young and Martin have been there for each other, as teammates and as opponents. Both four-year varsity players, the two all-state hitters will make their fourth consecutive trip to the state tournament this week, a feat few high school athletes are able to achieve.

Win or lose, their prep careers will end this weekend at The Lakeland Center. It is a journey they have traveled together.

As children, they attended the same church. By age 12, they were learning the proper ways to serve and spike together as members of a youth club.

Three years later, they were playing side by side to lead the Tampa Bay Juniors 15-Under team to a gold medal at the USA Junior Olympic Girls Volleyball Championships.

"We've gotten really close," Young said.

Once they entered high school, they made immediate impacts on two of the top programs in the nation. Martin has helped Plant win three consecutive Class 5A state titles, while Young has helped lead Berkeley to three state final four appearances. They became accustomed to seeing each other at the annual Berkeley Premier and the Tampa Bay Invitational. Martin and Young are 1-1 in Berkeley Premier meetings. In 2007, Plant defeated Berkeley 3-0 in the Tampa Bay Invitational championship game.

"It's a lot of fun playing on the same team as well as playing against each other," Young said.

"I have always respected her as an amazing person and teammate," Martin said. "Over the years, our friendship and respect for each other has grown."

During state tournament week, they exchange text messages and small talk on the phone.

"'Knock 'em dead' and phrases like that," Young said.

Martin hopes Young finally wins a title this year.

"I know how hard she and her team have worked, and I hope it all pays off and she finishes her year with a state championship," Martin said .

Young will play for Colgate next year, while Martin has signed to play for two-time national champion Penn State. In 2010, Colgate will play in Penn State's tournament.

"I hope we both have the best possible memories of this tournament," Martin said.

"We've gone a long way together and to end it together in Lakeland will be great," Young said. "We still have a bit to go before we say goodbye."