Martins Named Cal Pac Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year

The Cal Pac Conference has named UC Merced’s men’s soccer coach Albert Martins as 2014 Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year.

Since Martins joined two years ago, the team’s wins improved from four last season to 12 this year. Under his guidance, the team also produced the Cal Pac Offensive Player of the Year and a handful of all-conference players.

Martins said the sense of unity on this year’s team was stronger than any team he’d ever been a part of, both as a player and a coach.

“That’s the fun part of recruiting — putting those guys together and seeing them fit,” Martins said. “If you give them the freedom to be themselves a bit, but also give them the right amount of structure, I’ve always thought people can flourish in that.”

According to junior midfielder Brian Chongtoua, the strength of the men’s soccer team comes from Martin’s team-first attitude.

“He builds the kind of relationship that makes everyone want to try as hard as they can and strive for something they want,” Chongtua said. “Coach Albert is very competitive, and I believe the things he has us do push us to be the best. He doesn’t want just average — he wants us to be the best we can be, on and off the field.”

Whether it’s showing the most spirit at other UC Merced athletic events, or making sure everyone on the team completes their study hours, Chongtua said they are held accountable.

“The guys have a chance at a first-class education, and the game only stays with you for so long,” Martins said. “I stress the things off the field because if you can do the right things off the field all the time, the things on the field will come so much easier.”