Chadiya Martin – UWI Five Islands in Collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Amateur Volleyball Association (ABAVA) – Scholarship Recipient
Chadiya Martin is a driven, disciplined, and community-minded young woman from Antigua and Barbuda whose journey reflects a powerful commitment to service, sport, and continuous self-improvement. Her story resonates strongly with athletes who understand the value of persistence, adaptability, and stepping up when opportunity calls.
Chadiya’s educational foundation was built at the Antigua Wesleyan Junior Academy (2006–2013) and Otto’s Comprehensive School (2013–2018), where her leadership and work ethic quickly set her apart. In 2018, she graduated as Valedictorian, while also being recognized as a Volleyball Awardee and Sportswoman of the Year—a clear demonstration of her ability to balance academic excellence with athletic dedication.
She continued her studies at Antigua State College (2018–2020) before entering the workforce at Amalgamated Security Services Antigua Ltd. Starting as a Security Officer (2021–2022), she progressed to Duty Officer (2022–2023) and now serves as an Administrative Assistant (2023–present). Each role strengthened her leadership, discipline, and sense of responsibility—qualities that align with her long-term aspiration to serve and protect the people of Antigua and Barbuda, following in her parents’ footsteps.
Today, Chadiya is further pursuing this goal as a Criminology and Criminal Justice student at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. She is a proud recipient of a scholarship awarded through a collaborative partnership between UWI Five Islands and the Antigua and Barbuda Amateur Volleyball Association (ABAVA)—a milestone that reflects her dedication, character, and contributions both on and off the court.
Chadiya’s athletic journey is equally inspiring. She was introduced to volleyball in 2015 after her mother encouraged her to try it instead of netball. Through school league competition and guidance from coaches such as Mr. Lewis, Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Joseph, she steadily developed her skills. Early setbacks—including not being selected for the Under-16 national team—tested her resolve but never broke it.
Her perseverance ultimately opened the door to competitive club volleyball within ABAVA. Chadiya began her club career with Targets Volleyball Club, where she served as the team’s main setter for two years, laying a strong foundation for her development. She later continued her journey through Acme and eventually joined the STARZ Volleyball Club in 2019. Each transition required her to start over—often at the junior level—but Chadiya embraced the challenge, working relentlessly to earn her place on the senior team. Her journey stands as a powerful reminder that growth is rarely linear, and that belief in oneself, patience, and consistent effort are essential to long-term success.
In 2023, Chadiya expanded her contribution to the sport by becoming a local volleyball referee. When the Local Organising Committee issued a call for each club to designate a referee, she stepped forward to support her team. What began as service quickly became another avenue for growth. Her goal is to continue learning, represent her club with integrity, and ultimately officiate at the regional level.
While volleyball has shaped her competitive edge, cricket remains one of her loves. Chadiya often jokes that her connection to the sport began before birth—her mother played cricket while pregnant with her and was a member of the Police Cricket Team. For the past five years, Chadiya has served as a scorer with the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA), officiating at local, regional, and international matches. To her, cricket mirrors life itself—unpredictable, demanding, and deeply rewarding—teaching patience, teamwork, resilience, and the importance of embracing every new opportunity.
Grounded, passionate, and purpose-driven, Chadiya Martin continues to evolve as a scholar, professional, athlete, official, and servant of her community. Her journey stands as a powerful reminder that success is built not only through talent, but through discipline, service, and the courage to grow in every role the sport offers.
