Coach Gabriel Martinez Lands 400TH Career Win!
Fullerton College women's water polo head coach Gabriel Martinez reached a monumental career milestone earning his 400th career victory over the weekend playing in the Ventura College Tournament. The milestone win came against Modesto College on Saturday, a 19-4 victory.
Fullerton College women's water polo head coach Gabriel Martinez reached a monumental career milestone earning his 400th career victory over the weekend playing in the Ventura College Tournament. The milestone win came against Modesto College on Saturday, a 19-4 victory.
Since taking over in 2008, Martinez has built Fullerton into a powerhouse capturing two state championships and five Orange Empire Conference titles while producing a tradition of excellence and consistency. Under his guidance, the Hornets have notched 12 twenty-win seasons, 2 thirty-win campaigns, and has help the Hornets make the postseason in 13 of 14 seasons.
Martinez led the Hornets to their first-ever state championship in 2014 with a perfect 35-0 record and followed that with another state title in 2019 with a 32-3 overall record. His coaching career boasts an impressive .727 winning percentage making him the winningest coach in program's history.
Beyond his success at Fullerton, Martinez has been a respected figure in the water polo community for decades. He previously served as head coach and program director for Commerce Water Polo guiding more than 300 athletes to the college level and was also the Mexican Women's National Team Coach and Program Director for two seasons competing in the Pan American Games.
Martinez's influence extends to the national stage as well having coached with USA Water Polo's youth and collegiate programs and earning USA Water Polo Coach of the Year honors in both 2001 and 2009.
Known for his technical mastery, motivational leadership, and player development, Coach Martinez's 400th win cements his legacy as one of the premier coaches in community college water polo.
"It's been an incredible journey," Martinez said. "I'm proud of what we've built here. It not all about the wins though but in the opportunities and growth our student-athletes have achieved through this program."
