By Nicolas Ngo
Staff Writer
In the TCHS CIF match against Hillcrest High School, Martinez takes the ball down the line and crosses it, allowing her team to score. TCHS wins the game, 6-1 on Feb.11.
With adrenaline coursing through her veins, senior Sarah Martinez braced herself for the upcoming penalty shootout; CF Elite’s championship victory against Blues Soccer Club was decided by that very moment. When Martinez steadied herself to make the winning shot, her fear of failure allowed her to falter and with that, the championship victory slipped from her grasp.
As doubt about her soccer capabilities and position of team captain threatened to end her dreams of playing in Division 1, she refocused and resolved on being the best possible soccer player for any challenge that lies ahead. Moments like facing adversity and learning from her mistakes allowed her to become a stronger soccer player and to overcome future obstacles.
“It’s better to fail than to not try at all and live with regret,” Martinez said. “I take chances on the field without thinking about the negative comments. Instead of ‘what if I fail,’ it’s ‘I am going to do it and get it done. If I don’t, I am going to keep trying.’”
Martinez began playing soccer after her mother signed her up for the American Youth Soccer Organization at age nine. She fell in love with the sport, participating in club soccer as well as being a part of the TCHS soccer team throughout high school.
She was accepted onto the girls varsity soccer team in her freshman year, playing as a forward and attacking midfielder.
“My favorite part about soccer would be all the emotions that play a part in the game,” Martinez said. “The intensity and tension I feel on the field make the game so fun and enjoyable for me.”
In her effort to achieve her goals of playing in Division 1, Martinez participated in the Olympic Development Program, a soccer team consisting of the top 18 players in Southern California, which went on to defeat multiple other states, including Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and Colorado.
Martinez isn’t just limited to domestic competitions; she has played internationally, taking home a victory in the Costa Daurada Cup in Barcelona. On her home turf, she earned the title of MVP and was a part of the top 11 players in the Rio Hondo League her sophomore year.
In addition, she received the award of all CIFSS Division 5 her sophomore and junior year as well as team captain her junior and senior year.
“Even though most of us start off with the goal of playing soccer at the professional level, most fall away after the amount of work and time needed to achieve the goal becomes apparent,” former teammate Taylor Rose said. “Sarah has continuously put her time and effort into her dreams and it’s starting to pay off. Her determination and discipline alone have allowed her to reach her goals and her time in high school has proven that.”
The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly ended her soccer season, costing her valuable experience and time to demonstrate her athletic prowess to college scouts.
However, Martinez remains optimistic, introducing a home workout routine that includes running and lifting weights to maintain her skills.
“I think COVID-19 gave me an opportunity to stay ready on the field; it was an opportunity to get stronger, faster and more skilled for college,” Martinez said. “I turned the pandemic into an opportunity for myself.”
Looking forward, she hopes to attend a Division 1 college with a Kinesiology major because she believes in prioritizing education. Martinez wants to play soccer professionally in the U.S., or if given the chance, internationally.
“I make sure to always stay focused, work hard and remember why I am doing all of this,’’ Martinez said. “I think I am on the right track to achieve my goal and I am confident that I will make it. I want all the blood, tears, sweat and hard work I have put into this sport to pay off.”