Where Are They Now: Erika Martin-Cross
6/26/2015 10:16:00 AM | Women's Basketball
| Catching Up with Erika Martin-Cross | |
Where has your life taken you following your Mizzou basketball career? "I am currently employed as the Family OutReach Coordinator for Hot Springs (Ark.) School District. I work with and advocate on behalf of families experiencing difficult times, poverty and homelessness. I serve on the Board of Directors for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the Hot Springs Farmers Market. Recently, I became a certified poverty coach and am excited to start training communities to better serve people who are experiencing poverty. I received a Masters Degree in Sports Administration in 2010, and in my spare time, I am working on an International Sports Missions trip to Honduras. I have plans to pursue a certification in chaplaincy with future goals of being a team chaplain. Most importantly, I am mom to two beautiful basketball-playing daughters, Jadyn (12) and Sheridan (10)." How did Mizzou women's basketball help you get to where you are now? "When I arrived on campus as a freshman, I was very naive and immature. I grew up at Mizzou. I learned so many hard lessons. Mizzou prepared me for the ups and downs of life and for that I will always be grateful. Coach Rutherford required her players to be mentally and physically tough. She didn't really accept any excuses. There is a verse that lends itself to my experience in Romans 3 and I think it's a good reminder for life: 'Suffering (through challenges and trials) produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.'" What is your fondest memory of Mizzou? "I have many fond memories at Mizzou but winning the Big 8 tournament after having a 9-18 season and hitting an "almost" half court shot to beat Memphis by two are at the top of those. The most touching memory was during my senior year. I had a pretty great season leading the Big 8 in assists and scoring. Big 8 Player of the Year went to Tamecka Dixon at Kansas. I received many calls, cards and emails of encouragement from people who I never met who thought I should have received the award. It was overwhelming! I still appreciate how caring our fans were! Mizzou fans are the best fans in the country." Who are some of the people - both connected to Mizzou and elsewhere - that have had the biggest influence on you personally and professionally? "There have been so many people who have been influential in my life, my mom being head of those for never letting me give up when things were difficult. There are two other women who have influence me exponentially. Joyce Craft, the Superintendent of our school district is the definition of classy and professional. Under her direction I have grown professionally and discovered what my passions are. To be able to combine my passion with my career is a huge blessing. Also, Jane Nichols who coached me in AAU from 4th grade until high school. If it were not for her seeing the potential in me and personally investing so much of her time into coaching I'm not sure I would have found the love for basketball that I did. Other influences have been former Mizzou football player Wallace Snowden, who encouraged me to attend Mizzou. Bryan Maggard, Mary Ann Austin, Sarah Reesman, the entire coaching/ training staff and teammates all played important roles in my Mizzou experience and beyond. That saying, "It takes a village to raise a child" rings true. I really have a village surrounding me." If there is one bit of advice you'd like to share with student-athletes, coaches and/or alumni, what is it? "My advice would be to take time to serve. There is nothing more rewarding than positively influencing the lives of others." |
