LOGAN, Utah – Utah State University has made a significant commitment to its women’s soccer program by extending the contract of head coach Manny Martins through the 2030 season. This announcement follows an impressive record during his tenure, where the program secured its third consecutive Mountain West Tournament championship and made its third NCAA Tournament appearance.
In his five years leading the Aggies, Martins has achieved an overall record of 63 wins, 26 losses, and 24 ties, translating to a .664 winning percentage. Within the Mountain West Conference, he boasts a .657 winning percentage, ranking second in the conference’s history. His leadership has been particularly impactful at home, where the Aggies have established a formidable presence with a record of 36-5-10, remaining undefeated in their last 13 home matches over the past two seasons.
Cameron Walker, the Vice President and Director of Athletics at Utah State University, emphasized the importance of retaining Martins, stating, “Manny reflects the standard we are building at Utah State, striving for competitive excellence and winning with integrity. Keeping him in Logan is critical to our department’s progress and the elevation of our soccer program.” Walker expressed confidence in the winning culture Martins has developed.
Martins’ coaching abilities have shone through, especially during a challenging season marked by injuries. He led the Aggies to yet another Mountain West Tournament title, and in the final stretch of the season, the team lost only once in ten matches while outscoring opponents by a combined 26-8.
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In his own words, Martins expressed his connection to the community and his eagerness to continue building on the program’s success: “Utah State and the Cache Valley community feel like home. I’m incredibly excited to continue our winning traditions and build on the momentum and championships our program has earned. I look forward to leading the program as we continue to compete for titles in both the Pac-12 and on the national stages.”
The Aggies concluded the 2024 season with a remarkable record of 18 wins, 1 loss, and 5 draws, achieving a record number of wins and earning a place in the top 25 of the United Soccer Coaches poll for eight weeks, peaking at No. 7. This ranking ties the highest achievement for any Utah State athletic program and marks a significant milestone for a team in a sport that has historically faced tough competition.
Martins and his staff were recognized as the 2024 United Soccer Coaches NCAA Pacific Region Coaching Staff of the Year, adding to their accolades from the previous year. The 2024 season saw the Aggies set multiple records, including for total wins, goals, assists, points, and shutouts.
Under Martins’ leadership, the program has also celebrated several individual achievements, guiding 21 players to all-Mountain West honors and eight to all-region accolades. Notable players include 2024 MW Defensive Player of the Year Kaitlyn Richins and 2023 MW Defensive Player of the Year Kelsey Kaufusi. Additionally, Martins has twice earned the title of Mountain West Coach of the Year.
Martins has successfully supported the development of players beyond college, with four athletes signing professional contracts, one player getting drafted into the NWSL, and three receiving invitations to US National Team camps. The program has also emphasized academic excellence, with 80 players achieving Mountain West Scholar-Athlete recognition and 74 making the Academic All-Mountain West teams.
With the contract extension, the future of Utah State women’s soccer appears bright under Manny Martins’ guidance.
