MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Florida Memorial University is excited to announce the appointment of David Martinez as the new head coach for the men’s soccer team. With over 14 years of experience in the sport, Martinez is poised to bring a wealth of knowledge and a fresh competitive spirit to the program.
Martinez expressed his enthusiasm about the new role, stating, “I am thrilled about the challenge and the opportunity to make a mark in a vibrant city like Miami. My goal is to compete at the highest level, strive for excellence, and lead our team to nationals. We will build on our past successes and aim even higher, with a big focus on winning. I also want to thank the search committee and Athletic Director Jason Horn for giving me this opportunity to lead the men’s soccer program.”
Previously, Martinez served as the head men’s soccer coach at Jarvis Christian University, another HBCU, where he led the team to its most successful season in 2022. The team boasted a 10-5-3 overall record and a 7-3-3 conference record, securing a spot in the conference postseason for the first time ever. Under his guidance, the team also reached the RRAC semifinals and maintained an undefeated home record.
“We are thrilled to welcome David to our team as the new head coach,” said Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Jason Horn. “His track record of fostering winning teams and nurturing growth both on and off the field aligns perfectly with our vision for the program. David’s commitment to excellence and his ability to develop graduates who excel in soccer and life is exactly what we need to propel Florida Memorial’s men’s soccer to new heights.”
During his tenure from 2018 to 2020 as the assistant men’s soccer coach at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Martinez achieved significant milestones, including a regular-season conference championship in 2018, and a national tournament first-round appearance in 2019 with the 16th-ranked team in the nation. Since 2019, Martinez has also been dedicated to individual coaching, helping athletes refine their skills and advance to higher levels of play. In 2016, he contributed as an intern coach for the women’s soccer team at Missouri Valley College.
As a player, Martinez’s achievements are notable. He was part of the Missouri Valley men’s soccer team that reached the national tournament semifinals in 2015 as the third-ranked team and was a finalist in the Heart of America Final Conference in 2016. In 2017, he was honored as the team captain.
Martinez’s early career included playing for the Venezuela National Team U15 in 2009, the U17 Ibero Americano Venezuela Professional Team, where he celebrated a championship win in 2010, and the U20 Mineros de Guayana Venezuelan Professional Team.
Martinez is an alumnus of Louisiana State University in Shreveport, where he earned a Master of Science in Counseling degree with a 3.45 GPA. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science at Missouri Valley College in 2017, achieving a 3.4 GPA and making the Dean’s List in 2016.
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