Every time junior center Safiya Martin puts on her Temple jersey before a game, she calls home to Fayetteville, Georgia after warm-ups to hear a pep talk from her mother, Charmaine Heard.
Since coming to Temple in August 2013, Martin has not traveled back to Georgia. Instead of going back home, Martin works closely with coach Willnett Crockett, who won two national championships playing for Connecticut, everyday to work on her game.
“I’ve always kind of been a hard worker, especially in the classroom because my mom always really hashed on stuff like that,” Martin said. “She always tells me to have confidence in myself, and it gives you that little boost of energy.