First-year FC girls’ soccer coach Tony Martinez was nominated as the West Sequoia League (WSL) Coach of the Year following a league meeting, Feb. 16. Martinez was selected from among five coaches due to his to turnaround of the Eagles’ record from 1-15-1 to 8-14-1 in one year.
Athletic Director Dan Stockton chose Martinez earlier in the season with confidence, and has not been disappointed by his performance. Stockton was hopeful that the soccer program would take a 180-degree turn with his leadership.
“Tony Martinez was chosen from 11 possible coaches,” Stockton said. “He was by far the best prospect for the revival of our girls’ soccer program. I am personally proud of his good work and being chosen Coach of the Year, as are all the administration and parents.”
Martinez took the nomination as affirmation for his effort to enhance girls soccer at FC and attributes his success to his assistant coaches as well.
“it was a big surprise,” Martinez said. “It wasn’t expected. It just reassured me that hard work and dedication does pay off. This makes everything we accomplished as a team worth while. I want to say thank you to assistant coaches Olivia Torres and Pedro Escobar for their help in making this season a successful one. I know I have said this many times before but I was honored to be the head coach of the Lady Eagles soccer team.”
Second-year varsity player Mikayla Messer, ’14, witnessed this progress firsthand, and noted the renewed enthusiasm and team atmosphere influenced by Martinez.
“Hearing about Coach Tony being named Coach of the Year made me feel so honored to have had him as our coach,” Messer said. “He is an amazing coach and deserved his title. He brought us all closer to each other as a team and taught us discipline. He truly is an amazing coach.”
As a freshman, Ivette Ibarra anticipates the coming year, expecting FC to raise the standard with Martinez at the helm.
“Our coach is hardworking,” Ibarra said. “He has dedicated so much time to our team and put a lot on the line. I’m glad that FC was the team he decided to coach this year. Next year we’re coming in stronger, better and more skilled.”
All-league selections for athletes will be announced at the Winter Sports Awards Banquet in Ground Zero, March 26.
For more information, read Girls’ soccer sport shorts: Eagles lose playoff game, commemorate season (VIDEO).
In other news, the girls soccer team will reconvene one more time to eat together, continue to build relationships and review the season’s successes. The squad is planning on meeting at the Dominion Pizza location at Cedar and Shepherd in the Vons Shopping Center, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. Players, parents and team supporters are encouraged to attend. The team’s meal will be provided but everyone else will need to purchase their own food.
For more information, contact Janine Yee.
