By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
LYFORD — San Benito forward Adrian Martinez was expecting to have a historic season with his team before the COVID-19 pandemic caused the University Interscholastic League to cancel the rest of the soccer campaign.
The Greyhounds earned the two-seed in a loaded District 32-6A and felt confident about making a long run in their second consecutive playoff appearance. But the reigning All-STAR most valuable player didn’t get a chance to finish his final season in purple and gold, which he called very disappointing.
Martinez found some solace as he signed to continue his soccer career at Dallas Christian College on May 13. The Crusaders called him an “impact signing” on Twitter, and he’s excited to build on a 15-goal senior season and take on the National Christian College Athletic Association.
“I was really nervous at first, and then really, really happy. Not many kids from San Benito get scholarships like this for sports, and I was happy to be signing,” Martinez said. “I’m still kind of upset (the season was canceled), because we wanted to prove that we were better, but I’m getting over it because I’m glad I get to play college soccer and keep playing the sport I love.”
Martinez is looking forward to the challenges of college soccer and the new experiences that will come along with the move. He’s part of a six-man group of Rio Grande Valley natives that will be heading to Farmers Branch, just north of Dallas. Martinez said getting to play with some former Valley opponents will help with the transition to a new school, and he thinks they’ll have quick chemistry to help the Crusaders.
San Benito coach William Huerta believes Martinez and his future teammates will represent the Valley well and pave the way for more soccer players to reach the next level.
“I wish him the best moving on to the next level, and all those other Valley athletes that have signed as well. I hope they go out there and show their Valley athleticism and put us on the map to open the eyes of recruiters to come down here and take a look at our athletes,” Huerta said.
Martinez thanked Huerta for his help in reaching out to coaches and getting linked up with Dallas Christian coach Dan Mariscal. The pair sent numerous emails with highlight videos when Martinez, heading into his senior year, decided to chase a lengthy career.
“That’s how the Dallas (Christian) coach signed me up, from the highlights that I did with my coach,” Martinez said. “I’ve been playing soccer my whole life, and I thought, ‘What am I going to do with so much talent?’ I didn’t want to waste it without trying to play in college, so I decided to give it a chance.”
Martinez, a two-year letterman, worked his way up from JV to being a key contributor on the varsity roster as a senior. He credits his time with the Greyhounds for teaching him about hard work, both on and off the field, and the importance of fighting to earn your position and playing time. He’ll continue relying on those lessons at Dallas Christian and beyond. Martinez hasn’t decided what he wants to study while at college, but he knows one thing he’s striving for: a professional soccer career.
Huerta said Martinez’s work ethic and fighting spirit will help him in this next phase of life and that he was proud to coach him.
“It’s a great feeling being able to help any athlete to get to the next level and to continue their education along with doing something they love. He’s a great kid, a great worker, and I’m proud of what he’s done and what he’s going to do at the next level,” Huerta said. “Adrian developed and moved up the ranks, and he did everything possible to get that starting position. That’s the thing about Adrian. He’s a hard worker, and he’ll do anything needed in order to succeed.”