Tennis prospect Martin earns scholarship to Howard University
Jamaica’s young tennis star Kyle Martin will be attending Howard University in the United States after recently being awarded a four-year scholarship for his exploits on the local tennis circuit.
Martin, who recently departed the island, is to begin in September. He is set to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and will also be joining the Howard University men’s tennis team.
Notably, he will be following the path of his brother, Kristofer Martin, formerly of Wolmer’s Boys’ School. Kristofer earned a tennis scholarship to Division One school Bethune Cookman University in Miami, Florida and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounts and computer technology.
“I am very appreciative, happy and delighted to receive this opportunity, not only to improve on my tennis, but also to get my degree in engineering,” said Martin, a student of the Heroes’ Circle-based School’s.
The 18-year-old, who along with his brother was introduced to the sport at a tender age by their father Karl “Tony” Martin, is optimistic of matching or even surpassing the standards set by Kristofer.
He has consistently dominated and held the number one junior ranking from the 12 and Under, 14 and Under, 16 and Under and Under-18 categories.
“My childhood dream was to be the best tennis player in Jamaica, and so far I have achieved that dream in the form of junior tennis. I was selected on the schools’ tennis team and was also the youngest to win the National High School competition during my first form year.
“So far I have won 40 trophies and medals during my junior career, and I am looking forward to achieving a greater goal, not only in tennis, but also with my education. Kristofer also achieved many credentials in lawn tennis so, ideally, I would like to return to Jamaica after my college studies and represent my country at the highest level of tennis,” Martin noted.
Martin also represented Jamaica’s Under-16 team and at the Junior Davis Cup Championships in the Dominican Republic, and became one of only three Jamaicans in 15 years to have won both the Under-16 and Under-18 titles at the All-Jamaica Junior Tennis Championships.
