BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PIPPA PASSES — Former Martin County Lady Cardinals standout Katie Marcum wrapped up her freshman year at Alice Lloyd College with a strong start. Now preparing for her second season, she is proud of her growth on and off the court.
She credits her hometown for helping pave the way.
Marcum was a four-year starter for head coach Robin Newsome. She accumulated over 1,500 points and secured over 1,000 rebounds throughout her high school career.
“I was always taught how to be a leader and responsible,” Marcum said of her time with the Lady Cardinals. “At the next level, you’re more on your own, and both of those play a big role in preparing yourself individually.”
She plays now for someone familiar to Martin County: Coach John Mills, who plans to utilize the forward this upcoming season for her sophomore campaign.
Adjusting to the faster pace of the college game was one of Marcum’s biggest challenges. The addition of the shot clock and the daily balancing act of class and practice took some getting used to.
Marcum found her rhythm quickly. She made the dean’s list both semesters and said her experience at Alice Lloyd helped her discover who she is. She says that was “thanks in large part to the close-knit community and her teammates.”
“It felt a lot like Martin County,” said Marcum. “We had a close bond on and off the court. I met some of my forever friends. They are the best teammates and are always wanting to watch each other succeed.”
When she first suited up for the Lady Eagles, the moment was surreal.
“It felt so weird putting on a jersey and it not being red,” she joked. “But I knew I made the right decision about where I belonged and wanted to be. It was a big relief.”
Marcum takes great pride in representing her small-town roots on a bigger stage.
“With Martin County not being very big, it makes me happy to hear everyone knowing who I am when coming back home, and asking me about college basketball,” she said. “I will always represent Martin County with pride because they were nothing but good to me, especially Coach Robin Newsome.”
After leading the Lady Cardinals to back-to-back 57th District titles, the monster in the middle was an easy choice for a college coach.
Marcum’s message to “future ballers” is simple: Believe in yourself and enjoy the ride.
“Follow your dreams, because as long as you work hard and want it with all your heart, it’ll come true,” she said. “Never doubt yourself and push yourself harder day after day. Enjoy your time too, especially with your teammates, because it goes by way faster than you think.”
Marcum is studying kinesiology and plans to pursue a master’s degree. Her goal is to become an X-ray technician after graduation.