The Rambler, Vol. 92, No. 7
Phil McNeary, staff writer

     This year Texas Wesleyan ushered in a new assistant head coach for their soccer program. Gaspar Martinez comes to Wesleyan as no stranger to the sport.

     Martinez, a former player, coached for Richland College in Dallas from 2001-2002. He said he loves the sport and has found it very rewarding here at Texas Wesleyan.

     Martinez said there were a few challenges coming into the Wesleyan program, but things have developed nicely.

     "The biggest challenge was coaching a women's team," he said. "Although I've done it before, most of my experience has been with men's soccer clubs."

     Martinez said that this has been a big change not only for him but for the returning players as well.

     "The players that were here before me were forced to adjust to me as I had to with them, but the adjustment has been smooth," he said.

     During the off-season, Martinez played a big head coaching role in the Wesleyan program, as Coach Steve Jones was tending to more of the administrative duties.

     "The women's team and I became more familiar and comfortable with each other during that time," he said.

     Practices seem to flow smooth as players on the men and women's teams seem to feel right at home with him.

     "Gaspar is great," said Holly Rowland, a goalie on the women's team. "He makes you work hard but he's so easy to get along with," she said.

     Martinez said he welcomes any challenges that may present themselves this year and is very excited about the rest of the season.

     The men and women's soccer teams have definitely stepped up their play this year. With the addition of Martinez, it looks like winning may become more of a tradition.