May 1, 2006

AKRON, Ohio - The University of Akron women's soccer team added another player to its 2006 freshman class with the addition of Brianna Martinez who signed a national letter of intent, head coach Catherine Byrne announced on Monday. Martinez hails from Bedford Heights, Ohio, and is a senior at Bedford High School.

"Brianna is a quick, versatile player with great mobility and field vision," Byrne said. "She plays for a very successful club team and will be a quality addition to our squad."

Martinez comes to Akron after being part of the Internationals club team for much of her playing career. Since joining the club in the Under-8 age bracket it has posted seven state cup championships, including winning the Ohio North State Cup Championship in 2004 and 2005. She has also logged time playing ODP, and has been involved in the Super Y-League the previous two years.

Also an accomplished student, she is a member of the Honor Roll and Merit Roll at Bedford High.

Martinez spent her freshman and sophomore years at nearby Walsh Jesuit High School.

Martinez joins Katie Davis (Olney, Md./Sherwood HS), Kate Drummond (Cincinnati, Ohio/Madeira HS), Kate Ferrara (Baldwinsville, N.Y./Charles W. Baker HS), Kristen Gregg (Medina, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit HS), Adrienne Knox (Columbus, Ohio/Worthington-Kilbourne HS), Heather Rains (Hamilton, Ohio/Stephan T. Badin HS), Sarah Richardson (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake HS) and Kristen Sample (Baltimore, Md./Seton Keough HS) in the Zips' 2006 incoming class. That group signed NLIs in February. Knox is currently enrolled at UA, and took part in the team's spring training sessions.