Monique Martis is an International Referee Candidate from Sint Eustatius whose journey into volleyball officiating began without a plan—or even prior knowledge of the sport. She stepped in simply because help was needed. During a shortage of non-playing volunteers, she was asked to assist as a scorer, given less than 24 hours to understand a scoresheet, and thrown straight into the action. Somewhere between learning on the fly and keeping up with the game, she fell in love with volleyball.
Not long after, she was asked to step in again—this time as a second referee during a match where no one else was available. Learning as the game unfolded, she finished that match completely hooked. That experience pushed her to study the rules, watch matches online, and truly understand the rhythm, responsibility, and decision-making that come with officiating.
What started as simply helping out quickly turned into a passion. In 2015, Monique attended her first refereeing course in Antigua, and from that moment, there was no turning back. Soon after, she began officiating at regional tournaments, including her first ECVA tournament as an official, with each match contributing to her growth and confidence on the court.
Her journey continues to evolve. In 2024, Monique successfully completed the International Candidate Course and is now focused on building experience, completing her required hours, and continuing to develop as an official.
For Monique, volleyball has become more than a sport—it is a community and a place that feels like home, no matter where she is officiating. She is deeply grateful to her referee coaches and her National Federation for their guidance, trust, and the opportunities that have shaped her path.
She is also passionate about encouraging more women to become part of the referee community. Officiating, she believes, creates a different kind of connection to the game—one that builds a deeper love, respect, and understanding of volleyball beyond playing alone.
