Martin commits to Eastern Illinois

 CEDAR RAPIDS -- Morgan Martin had a big birthday announcement.A senior at Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Martin said via e-mail Wednesday morning that she has given an oral commitment to play women's basketball at Eastern Illinois University. "I chose Eastern over other schools mostly because of the amazing coaching staff," said Martin, a 6-foot-1 post who missed the majority of her junior season due to injury.New EIU coach Debbie Black was an assistant at Ohio State for eight years."A possible post-college playing career is very appealing to me, and I believe that the coaches at Eastern can help me," said Martin, who turned 18 Wednesday. "I have really formed a great relationship with the staff, and the current players are very welcoming."I also chose Eastern because of the strength in my intended majors (biology and chemistry). I really connected with the professors in the science department. The fact that Eastern is only 5 hours away from my home is also a big plus. My family can come and watch me play regularly. The school is the right size for me -- not too big or small."A former all-stater at Quincy (Ill.) Notre Dame, Martin moved to Cedar Rapids in the summer of 2012. She played a game and a half for the Cougars before suffering an injury to her left knee. She didn't return last season.In that short time, she recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds.Martin will sign with EIU in November."It's a big relief and tremendous feeling having verbally committed, and now I can focus on helping Kennedy this season," she said.Martin is the second Metro senior player to commit to a mid-major Division-I program. Washington's Dani Franklin has picked Valparaiso.