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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.
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Posted by "Breanna Jennings" on March 1, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Congratulation coach for being made coach of the year. You did an awesome job. Thanks for being the best coach.
Posted by "Mikayla Miller" on March 1, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Congratulations on coach of the year! I was so happy to hear this and thanks to The Feather for mentioning our coach got this award. I'm very proud of him and thankful for the work and effort he put into our team and hope he will coach us next year! :)
Posted by "Amy Savage" on March 1, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Coach Tony is one of the best coaches I have ever had! He was so patient with us and helped us to do our best in every game. He really deserved this award!
Posted by "Celeste Camacho" on March 1, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Way to go Coach Tony! The girls played a good season this year; they're so aggressive! Way to represent Fresno Christian!
Posted by "Tricia Messer" on February 26, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Congrats Coach Tony! You did an amazing job coaching our girls! Thank you for all the time invested. Your dedication to the team and your knowledge of the game helped our girls tremendously. As a parent, it was exciting to see the team grow leaps and bounds in their endurance and skills. It was an awesome season and we can't wait for the next one.
Posted by "Gaby Siqueiros" on February 25, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
You totally deserve this award! Thanks for all your patience and hard work!
Posted by "Maddie Yee" on February 24, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Coach Tony definitely deserves this award! He brought the team from winning no games last year, to winning eight games this year, and making it to playoffs.
He is an amazing coach who knows how to push players to do their best, teach them new skills, and value each individual for who they are.
"Mind over Matter"
Congrats, coach!
Posted by "Michelle Devereaux" on February 24, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
So proud of our coaches and so proud of our team! Such a great season and looking forward to many more! Thank you for all of your time and dedication, Coach Tony!
Posted by "Janine Healy" on February 24, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Thank you Coach Tony for your dedication and hard work in coaching the Eagles soccer team. Your time and committment are greatly appreciated. Congrats on your nomination! See you next year!
Posted by "Ashley Erickson" on February 24, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Coah Tony absolutely deserves this award and I am so pleased to see that he received it. It was amazing to see how he turned our team around, bringing us closer together and teaching us how to play as a team. Thanks for an amazing season, Coach!
Posted by "Brooke Stobbe" on February 24, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Thank you Coach for your fantastic effort to the team this year. I couldn't be happier with this year's coaching staff. You pushed us and saw potential in each player, and as a team, that no one else saw. You can't hide the facts... just look at our stats and that proves your fantastic efforts to the team! Kudos!
Thanks for a great year in soccer. I'm gonna miss you too, but don't worry, I'll be back. You can't get rid of me! You helped me leave soccer "with a bang," and I can only see you expanding the program.
You will be back... thank goodness!
Posted by "Janine Yee" on February 23, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Congratulations to Coach Tony! This recognition is well-deserved, and we are all so proud of him - and happy for him. In addition to his ability to develop the team athletically, he has also worked well with the girls, fostering a great team spirit and good sportsmanship. Thanks Coach!
Posted by "Mackenzie Devereaux" on February 22, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Thank you so much coach for an amazing year of soccer! It was awesome to start off my high school years with an awesome year of soccer! I cannot wait for next year. You totally deserved this! you are an amazing coach!
Posted by "Miayla Messer" on February 22, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Congrats Coach Tony! You are such a talented coach and you deserve this award completely. Without you our team would not have made it this far. Thank you so much for the positive attitude you brought to our team. And thank you for all the lessons you taught us, not only in the game of soccer, but lessons we will use throughout our lives. I cannot wait for next year's season!
Posted by "Laura Casuga" on February 20, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Way to go Coach Tony! Congratulations on an honor well-deserved!
Posted by "Debbie Fries" on February 19, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
I agree with the WSL's decision on naming Coach Tony this award! He came in not knowing the girls and was dedicated from the beginning! They had an awesome season and he was always supportive, kind and compassionate, which are awesome traits to model for the girls. I hope that he will be back next year to continue what he has started! Thanks Coach for an awesome experience this season!
Posted by "Sara Peterson" on March 1, 2012 at 1:02 a.m.
Congrats Coach Tony you really deserved this award. Thank you for having faith in us!! I can't wait until next season!